The 1867 Whites Covered Bridge over the Flat River, near the village of Smyrnain in Ionia County, is the oldest one of its kind in Michigan still in use. Like the wooden bridges of that era, this 120-foot-long bridge was built of hand-hewn lumber, wooden pegs, and hand-cut nails.

Designed by Jared N. Brazee and J.N. Walker, Whites Bridge was built in the through-truss style with a gabled roof and was named for the White family who owned a sawmill and other businesses nearby in the area. Its Brown truss design consists of vertical and diagonal timbers that create a robust and rigid frame. The 1867 bridge was destroyed by arson on July 7, 2013, but with the success of a fundraising campaign, the bridge was rebuilt and can now take vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Completed in 2020, this is the fourth bridge built at or near the same location and is a replica of the original bridge completed in 2020. The new bridge resembles the original historic structure and retains its charm and appeal.

The White’s Covered Bridge was listed with the Michigan State Register on February 17, 1965, and was awarded its official Historical Marker on July 2 of that year.

Located at:  N43 00.874    W85 17.873     -      WGCB #22-34-01 #2

Photographed in May of 2023