The oldest of the remaining covered bridges of Madison County, Imes was built in 1870 and is 81 feet in length. It was originally located over the Middle River west of Patterson. In 1887, it was moved to a spot over Clinton Creek southwest of Hanley. Imes Covered Bridge was moved again to its present location over a natural ravine just east of St. Charles in 1977. It was renovated in 1997 for $31,807. The old wooden pegs that were used in the original construction are still in good condition after two moves.

The river was to be widened in 1887, so it was moved to Clanton Creek, southwest of St. Charles, where they needed a bridge. The 90-foot structure was moved by horses, which took quite a while to complete. Built in 1870 in Union Township, the bridge was originally named the "King Covered Bridge." Shortly after, folks renamed the old bridge after a family named "Imes" who lived nearby.

Located at:  N41 17.345   W93 48.054        -        WGCB #15-61-06

Photographed in May of 2023

Photos by Millard Farmer