The Medora Covered Bridge, located in Medora, Indiana, spans the East Fork White River and holds the distinction of being the longest surviving covered bridge in the United States. Built in 1875 by renowned bridge builder Joseph J. Daniels, this 460-foot, triple-span structure was constructed using the Burr arch and multiple kingpost truss design. It cost $18,142 to complete and replaced a ferry crossing, becoming the first free bridge over the White River in Jackson County.
Originally part of Indiana State Road 235, the bridge served as a critical transportation link before being bypassed by a modern bridge in 1973. Scheduled for demolition in the late 1960s, it was saved by local advocacy and an order from Governor Edgar Whitcomb in 1971. Preservation efforts continued over the decades, with major rehabilitation completed in 2011. The $1.3 million project restored the bridge’s original truss system, installed new cedar shake shingles, siding, and flooring, and ensured its structural stability.
Now managed by Jackson County, the Medora Covered Bridge stands as a historic and architectural treasure, reflecting Indiana’s rich heritage of covered bridge construction. It remains a popular destination for visitors and a symbol of the state’s dedication to preserving its past.