Duck Creek Aqueduct, part of the Whitewater Canal State Memorial, 1843
South Main Street, Metamora, IN 47030
Architect/Designer: Whitewater Valley Canal Company
DESCRIPTION:
Duck Creek Aqueduct is a single-span covered wood aqueduct that carries the Whitewater Canal 16 feet above Duck Creek. The aqueduct unitizes the Burr through truss system which is comprised of kingpost trusses flanked by a pair of tied arches. There is a 4-foot-wide walkway on the north side of the structure to accommodate pedestrians. The structure is covered with board-and-batten siding on the south side and is open on the north side, where the roof extends over the walkway.
SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT – INCLUDING SPECIAL STATUS AND AWARDS WON:
The Duck Creek aqueduct is the only surviving covered wood aqueduct in the United States and is an excellent example of 19th century covered bridge construction. Built as a component of the Whitewater Canal in southeastern Indiana the bridge represents a rare surviving component of an American canal system. The Duck Creek aqueduct is a remnant of the vast national internal improvements movement that occurred in the early- to mid-nineteenth century.
DESIGNATION STATUS:
National Register of Historic Places, Whitewater Canal Historic District, 1973
National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, 1992
National Historic Landmark, 2014
Style: Covered aqueduct
Owner (past/present):
Past: Whitewater Valley Canal Company
Present: State of Indiana, Department of Museums and Historic Sites
Materials: Wood
Additions and/or changes with date:
1846, partially rebuilt after flood damage. Rebuilding included the modified Burr arch truss system.
2005, rehabilitation
Historic use/current use: Aqueduct
Is building open to the public?: Yes, seasonal boat tours available
Condition: Fair
Website and/or sources of information:
Visit: http://www.metamoraindiana.com/
History: http://www.indianamuseum.org/explore/whitewater-canal
Research Sources:
National Register of Historic Places, Whitewater Canal Historic District, Metamora, Franklin, IN. 1973.
National Historic Landmark, Duck Creek Aqueduct, Metamora, Franklin, IN. 2013.
