JAMES COVERED BRIDGE

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The James Covered Bridge, also known as the Graham Creek Covered Bridge, crosses Graham Creek on County Road 650 South, in Section 10, Township 5 North, and Range 8 East, just south of Vernon, Jennings County. This single span Howe Truss structure has a length of 129 feet, or 139 feet including the 5-foot overhang at each end, with a portal clearance 15 feet wide by 14 feet high. Built in 1887 by Daniel Baron, according to the Jennings County Visitor Center the structure was named after Thomas S. James who owned the adjoining property. The James Covered Bridge was listed as #14-40-02 in the 1989 World Guide.

Ethel Beard Simons, great granddaughter of Thomas Jefferson James, notes that her mother's people (her maiden name was Annis James) lived all around this area. Family tradition regarding the James Covered bridge notes that it was built by her grandfather T.J. James and cousin Elbridge Graham. This same tradition goes on to note that the James Gristmill stood beside the bridge and it was built because Graham Creek was too high at flood stage for horses to forge.

• Covered Bridge Project Resources

• Regarding Covered Bridge Designations