(Two of) The Bridges of Madison County

When I was at the Jesse James farm, I picked up a brochure for John Wayne’s birthplace in Winterset, Iowa, just 14 miles off the interstate. I decided to stop. When I pulled off highway, I discovered that I was in “the” Madison County, the one with all the bridges. I knew about them from the movie although I’ve never seen it.

I didn’t have time to make a dedicated effort to see them, but as chance would have it, my trip to Winterset took me right past one of them and my trip back to the interstate (because the lady at John Wayne’s house gave me lousy directions) took me right past another one.

Imes Bridge — built in 1870

This one was odd in that it’s a bridge over nothing. There’s a little depression underneath it, but certainly not deep or large enough to warrant a bridge. I found out later that it’s not in its original location — it was moved near the interstate in 1977.

Holliwell Bridge — built in 1880

This bridge over Middle River southeast of Winterset is the longest of the six remaining bridges in the county.

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