Warnke Covered Bridge
The last covered bridge built by master builder Everett S. Sherman in 1895-1896, spanning Swamp Creek northeast of Lewisburg, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
About Warnke Covered Bridge
The Warnke Covered Bridge, also known as the Swamp Creek Bridge, is a 51-foot Childs Truss covered bridge crossing Swamp Creek in Harrison Township, northeast of Lewisburg. Built from 1895 to 1896, this white-painted bridge holds the distinction of being the last covered bridge constructed by master builder Everett S. Sherman. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976 and is the shortest covered span in Preble County.
History of Warnke Covered Bridge
In 1895, a flood damaged the steel truss bridge at this location. Everett Sherman was contracted to build a replacement and was paid $459 for its construction - the lowest cost of any Sherman bridge. The bridge was named for a family who lived nearby. After completing this bridge, Sherman's health was failing, and he moved to Richmond, Indiana, where he died shortly thereafter. Rehabilitation in 2008 cost $240,924.25.
Architecture and Design
The Warnke Bridge is a single-span, 51-foot Childs Truss design. The bridge features vertical high-boarded siding and a metal roof (originally red cedar shingles).
Visiting Warnke Covered Bridge
Located on Swamp Creek Road northeast of Lewisburg, the Warnke Bridge is the northernmost covered bridge in Preble County. It is still in regular use and open to traffic.