Near Cowden in Shelby County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Thompson Mill Bridge

Photographed By Jason Voigt, December 14, 2021

1. Thompson Mill Bridge Marker

Inscription. The road on which this bridge is located was once an important route between Springfield and Effingham. The bridge was completed in the autumn of 1868 at a cost of $2,500 and named for the owner of the first mill near here. It is the narrowest of all the covered bridges in Illinois, with a width of only 10 feet 7 inches. It is 11 feet 4 inches high and the siding stops before reaching the top cord to allow light to come in under the roof. The Howe Truss System, which the bridge uses, consists of panels in which two members cross one diagonal. The truss of this bridge is 105 feet long. The roof of the bridge protected the truss from the weather.

Erected 1972 by Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois State Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Covered Bridges, and the Illinois State Historical Society series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1868.

Location. 39° 15.528′ N, 88° 49.09′ W. Marker is near Cowden, Illinois, in Shelby County. Marker is on 1790 East west of 1740 East, on the right when traveling south. Marker is mounted at the top of the bridge entrance. Touch for map.

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Marker is at or near this postal address: 1737 1790 E, Cowden IL 62422, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Mrs. Josephine Garis Cochran (approx. 10.3 miles away); Lincoln's Court Cases (approx. 10.3 miles away); Lincoln-Thornton Debate / Lincoln Circuit (approx. 10.3 miles away); Abraham Lincoln - Eighth Judicial District (approx. 10.3 miles away); First Commercial Pick-up Baler (approx. 10.3 miles away); Soldiers and Sailors Monument (approx. 10.3 miles away); Freedom Square (approx. 10.3 miles away); "Let's Debate" by John McClarey (approx. 10.3 miles away).

Also see . . . Thompson Mill Covered Bridge on Wikipedia. The bridge, which goes over the Kaskaskia River outside Cowden, Illinois, is one of five historic covered bridges left standing in Illinois. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 13, 1975 (#75000675). Unfortunately, in recent years, the bridge has been the subject of vandalism including a 2020 incident that may have involved arson. (Submitted on December 17, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)

Photographed By Jason Voigt, December 14, 2021

2. Thompson Mill Bridge Marker

close-up of marker on the bridge

Photographed By Jason Voigt, December 14, 2021

3. Thompson Mill Bridge Marker

Wide view of marker and bridge

Credits. This page was last revised on December 17, 2021. It was originally submitted on December 17, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 231 times since then and 44 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 17, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.