Southern Tour (continued from page 3)
20. The WESTPORT COVERED BRIDGE is on the National Register for Historic Places and is a favorite of photographers and artists. The bridge brings many visitors to the southern part of Decatur County. Towns officials were notified of the official acceptance as a Historic Site on June 25, 1982.
It was built in 1880 by A.M. Kennedy and Sons. The cover was simply to provide shelter during rain and storms for the covered wagons and buggies and to protect the wood of the bridge. Historian George Cann says the bridge spans Sand Creek 130 feet from end to end and has a clear span of 111 feet, 6 inches. The county owns the bridge. The bridge is made of skew-type stone abutments cut in nearby "End Quarry." It has been used for many family picnics and was often a meeting place.
Old timers say the bridge has been threatened many times by floods but has always survived, especially in 1913 when Cann reported a huge tree was uprooted in a storm and sent floating downstream to the bridge. A sudden slowing of the current safely pitched the tree underneath the bridge.
During the final two years of use, school bus drivers would have their children get out of the bus and walk across alone for fear of excessive weight.
Westport does accept donations for the care and upkeep of the bridge.
21. After visiting the covered bridge, continue east on 100 S. You will come upon the Rock Creek Baptist Church, established in 1825, near Zenas, but moved to its present location in 1850. The first church was a log church built across the road from the present building, erected in 1862.
22. At the T-road (CR 600 E), turn right, you are now entering Jennings County. You will pass the St. Dennis Church. Built in the 1890's on land given by the family of Dennis Wood, a local farmer. The present building was built in 1894 and named St. Dennis for the patron Saint Dennis. The church is one of a very few Catholic churches in a totally rural setting in this part of the county. It is interesting to note that the church was built and a congregation started without the knowledge of the archdiocese. Inside the church stands a statue of Saint Dennis holding his head in his hand which brings us to the story of St. Dennis.
St. Dennis was born in Italy. By orders of Rome, he was sent to Gaul in the year 250 and became the first Bishop of Paris. He was said to be so effective in converting the inhabitants that he was arrested and beheaded. After his beheading, legend says that St. Dennis picked up his own head and carried it to the village of Vicus Catulliacus. St. Dennis is the patron saint of France and his feast day is October 9th.
23. Turn left at the cemetery (CR 1200 N). Drive on what is described as possibly one of the most picturesque roads in the area. The road divides Jennings and Decatur counties and will also venture into Ripley County. Watch for the variety of ways in which residents live along the roadway. Along the way you will pass two Christmas tree farms. At the "T", tree farm number one is .7 miles to the right, to continue the tour, turn left, then bear right. Within a short distance cross over a metal bridge and see the second farm on the right side of the road. Watch also for pigs, billy goats and chickens along the way. You are now traveling along Flatrock Road.
24. You will also come upon the Union Flatrock Baptist Church and cemetery established in 1843. The church is always open. You may stop and look inside. This area also has homes that were part of the Underground Railroad.