I was driving home from Peoria last Sunday, and decided to take a short side trip… Just south of Springfield, IL, the interstate (I-55 runs more or less parallel to old Rt. 66. I decided to dump over to the “mother road” at Chatham, only to discover that it simply ran right beside the interstate. Exact same view, but slower. BUT!!! As I was looking for the next opportunity to get back on the highway, I saw one of those wonderful brown signs, the ones that mark parks and other (sometimes) interesting spots. This one simply said “Covered Bridge”, and pointed down an uninteresting looking road. After a few miles, and sev eral turns, I came across Pioneer Park, and Sugar Creek Covered Bridge. Sort of in the middle of nowhere, a nice little glade, with a small creek and a covered bridge. Nothing dramatic, but a nice little break. I didn’t see another person the whole time I was there. A patina covered marker, with a few bullet holes, stated:
PIONEER PARK
In memory of the first settlers of Sangamon County. Site of the first settler’s home. Built by Robert Pulltam, October 20, 1817. 200 yards north of here
I didn’t see any remnants of the home, but didn’t look too hard. Some internet research on the bridge revealed that it was built in 1880, and refurbished in 1965.
4 comments:
i like them both, but the grey looks like an artwork, cool!
there's a tiny covered bridge on saxonburg blvd. never knew it was there til a few years ago.
It's amazing how many cool spots surround us, that we don't even know to look for.....
pittsburgh and the surrounding areas, it's a funny/odd thing. we are reluctant to leave our own little neighborhoods or cross rivers. i swear it. i know people that have been in the service( i am using people my age and older) that have been overseas and then come back to their little town and never stray 5 miles in any direction.
I know what you mean, but not from experience. I grew up on the highway, and travel a lot with my job. I just wish I had more time to explore, but I try to savor every opportunity. I always watch for those "brown signs"!!
I've known several people who live 30-50 miles from St. Louis, and have neve even made it to that "big city"....
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