The most striking object on the grounds of the Putnam County Courthouse is a German V-1 flying bomb…read moredisplayed out front. It's a World War II "buzz bomb" mounted on a limestone V-shaped base and it was dedicated in 1948. It is believed to be the only publicly displayed V‑1 in the United States. The bomb's presence in Greencastle is the result of an unusual chain of events. In sprint 1947, local naval reservist J. Frank Durham was training at Fort Stump Neck, Maryland, where obsolete captured enemy ordnance was slated for disposal. Durham argued that such historic items should be preserved, and he began the process of securing them for the Gen. Jesse M. Lee VFW Post in Greencastle. With help from Senator William Jenner, Durham obtained federal authorization for the transfer, including "One (1) German V-1 Bomb - CEE 11378-2." Local merchants and citizens raised funds, and stonemason Wilbur Grimes and his son Jerry constructed the pedestal. For decades, Greencastle believed its V‑1 was one of only two publicly displayed in the United States, the other being at the Smithsonian Institution. Later research shows that a few additional V‑1s survive in American museums, though several are actually JB‑2 Loons, the American copy of the V‑1. It stands today as a memorial to Putnam County residents who lost their lives in World War II. [Review 1040 of 2026 - 244 in Indiana - 26219 overall]

We had a bit of trouble finding Big Rocky Fork Covered Bridge, but eventually we did. The bridge…read morehas been bypassed by a newer bridge that stands parallel. We found parking at one end of the bridge and walked through tall grass to the single Burr Arch truss span bridge. The 72' bridge was built by the prolific bridge builder, J. J. Daniels, in 1900. The single lane bridge served until 1987, but still stands proud at 126 years old. The inside is spattered with a bit of graffiti that has been covered with white paint. Outside, the boards show some rotting around the bottom. I was surprised at the good condition of the floor boards. She needs a little love, perhaps the Covered Bridge Festival will pick up donations for the repairs.

Bypassed in 1987, this Single Span Burr Arch Truss was built by Joseph J. Daniels in 1900 to carry…read moreGreencastle Road (County Road 720) over Big Rocky Creek. Access is easy and fully paved; the bridge sits about two miles east of US59 outside Mansfield. One of nine covered bridges that Daniels put up in Parke County, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978; it is #6 on the Parke County Covered Bridge Map.

The Neet Bridge was the last bridge that we visited on our Covered Bridge Tour. You can see the…read morehistoric bridge from Bridgeton Road, but there is a better vantage point from the little parking area that is just south of the bridge. The bridge was built in 1904 by J. J. Daniels and crosses Little Raccoon Creek. The bridge is no longer passable by car but remains a lovely reminder of the past.

Parking is a bit tricky for this one, since the main road doesn't allow for parking. However, if…read moreyou get a map from Billie Creek historic village or from one of the visitor centers in town, they point out a good way to tour.

Irishman Covered Bridge, also known as Honey Creek Bridge, can be found within Fowler Park…read more Besides driving through the park to visit, you can use the small parking lot along Bono Road and walk into the park from that entrance which accesses the bridge and the Pioneer Village. This is one of the State's oldest covered bridge which makes it interesting to view the building structure. However, because of a massive restoration project (the flooring is being replace for safety and preservation of the structure), the bridge was off limits to pedestrian traffic. The bridge used to be in service but in 1971, it was relocated to the park where it now spans a small inlet off Ruble Lake. The bridge sports the classic red side walls and white faced ends that are popular in Parke County. The bridge is 75' long, so it is one of the shorter spans left in the state. I hope the repairs are completed and can preserve this bridge much as the pioneer village has saved log cabins from the area. Review #2957

My visit to Owen County Courthouse was a memorable experience. Construction on the Courthouse began…read morein 1910 and was completed mid 1911 at the cost of only $106,000. The limestone building was designed by Jesse T. Johnson and Co. out of Indianapolis. The metal dome is a focal point, holding clocks and a US flag. The courthouse sits on a prominent square with several War memorials. After going through security, I asked the deputy about the building. He smiled and told me when the courthouse was built. He was excited about his visit into the dome, which is quite large. He encouraged me to go into the courtroom, which was in session, and see the original furniture and woodwork. This was my first visit inside a courtroom holding court. There was a small hearing going on. The judge actually asked why I was there and welcomed me to observe. The gallery chairs were original wrought iron with fold down seats. The jury box and judge's bench looked original wood. (I was not allowed to take photos.) it was interesting to watch a live legal proceeding. For the most part, the court house interior is original with some updates. The courthouse is not ornate, but functional with a simple beauty. The center atrium has tiled floors. War artifacts throughout the building memorialized local residents that served in the military. The courthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994. A visit offers the opportunity to see local government in action. The people are friendly and engaging. There is metered parking around the courthouse square (so bring some quarters). I only found restrooms on the first floor of the three story structure.

A reviewer recommended bring quarters for metered parking they don't have meter maids so save your…read moremoney. If you get sent a jury duty form you can fill it and send it in yourself or what for the second notice and use the self addressed envelope. Remember to remove tools and sprays from your car keys or you'll be making two trips.

In 1910, Jefferson P. Van Fossen received the contract to erect this Double Span Burr Arch Truss…read morebridge. It carries Virostko Road across Big Raccoon Creek, replacing an earlier effort (1865) of Joseph J. Daniels that was destroyed by arson. At 263 feet in length, it is one of the longest of the surviving covered bridges in Parke County (#18 on the Covered Bridge Map). It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. As Harold Rau details in his A Guide to the Covered Bridges of Parke County, Indiana (2016), this is the one bridge with an unclear history. "Witnesses from the construction site claim the on-site foreman was Joseph J. Daniels, 84 years old at the time. But, an old photograph of the nearly finished bridge shows J.P. Van Fossen as contractor and J. Brooks as builder. The name of J.J. Daniels does not appear in the photo. The on-site witnesses didn't remember Mr. Brooks, and later photographs show portal lettering with J.J. Daniels as builder. However, the current portal inscription only reads 'Van Fossen' (p. 56)."

Just a short distance off the Red Route for touring Parke County Covered Bridges is the Roseville…read moreCovered Bridge near Coxville, IN. The Burr arch-truss style bridge was built in 1910 and restored in 1977, so it is in pretty good shape. The bridge is still in service though traffic is told to greatly reduce speeds to a walking pace to cross the span. The red and white bridge with black lettering has a total length of a whopping 282 feet (2nd longest in the County) with the single longest span of around 119 feet which crosses the Big Raccoon Creek. The rest of the length hovers over ground that can frequently flood. There is also a marker on the west side of the bridge telling about the history of Rossville. To find this bridge, take US 41 west of Rockville to Coxville Road (7 miles). Head south for 4.25 miles to CR 325 W in Coxville. The bridge is only about 400 feet ahead on this gravel road. Note that this bridge is only 0.8 miles away from Harry Evans Covered Bridge which is also on CR 325W to the north. If you are coming from Rosedale, take Main Street/Coxville Road north 2.25 miles to Coxville and CR 325W. Head east. Review #3175

The Bridgeton Mill was established in 1823 and is the oldest continuously runing grist mill in…read moreIndiana. Mike and Karen Roe bought the mill in 1995 and have worked feverishly to maintain and operate this 200 year old historical business. My husband and I visited the mill today and Mike spent an hour providing us with the fascinating history and tour of the mill, describing different types of ground flours and meals. He demonstrated how he mills grain. Today, the mill produces and sells a variety of different wheat flours, brans and corn meals. Grains are Amish sourced locally. I purchased blue corn meal, rare Einkorn flour, Miller's blend flour and wheat bran. I also bought a book about the local covered bridges. If you want to visit the mill, go during off peak time, before or after the Covered Bridge Festival. The crowds of tourists during the festival will make it difficult to enjoy and learn about the mill. And if you want to meet Mike, go soon, as he has the mill up for sale. Attached to the mill is a small snack bar that serves sandwiches, beverages and ice cream. The cheeseburgers are served on homemade wheat rolls and are juicy and delicious. Tables overlook the covered bridge and creek. The clerk/cook is friendly. The place is not fancy or upscale, but small town wonderful. There is no charge to visit the mill, although donations are requested to assist with repairs to the dam. Bridgeton Mill is a special place to visit and support a family-run business and learn about Indiana's history. There is plenty of parking and restroom are available.

It's a new bridge but still done in that classic style. We took this in before the Covered Bridge…read moreFestival so we could enjoy the beautiful area before the crowds. If you come during the festival this place is filled with activities and vendors

Vigo County's Pioneer Village can be found within Fowler Park. Besides driving through the park to…read morevisit, you can use the small parking lot along Bono Road and walk into the park from that entrance which accesses the village and covered bridge. Most of the year, the village is open to browse, but the buildings are locked. Some have convenient windows to browse in, but not all of them. You will also notice that some are authentic buildings which have been preserved by moving them to this gathering spot from across the area (including Illinois). Others are constructed from wood salvaged from other cabins/structures that had met their demise. What is created is a homogeneous collection of buildings that you might find if you could travel back in time 180 years to a small town in the area. Vigo County does open the village up the first weekend in October to re-enactors and vendors to celebrate the annual Pioneer Days. I believe there is a $5 fee for attending. I was surprised that I didn't see any promotion for the event in 2019 since I was there just a few days too early. If you are interested, I would suggest contacting the county's parks department. From what I heard from the staff at the guard house, the village has grown over the years as additional buildings have been relocated. While there, be sure to check out one of the State's oldest covered bridges on the south side of the village. Review #2957