Union Covered Bridge State Historic Site
🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 Missouri History — The only surviving Burr arch truss covered bridge in Missouri — built in 1871, spanning 120 feet across Elk Fork of the Salt River. This design was invented by Theodore Burr in 1804.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Missouri |
| Entry Fee | Free admission! |
About Union Covered Bridge
Union Covered Bridge State Historic Site in Monroe County preserves Missouri’s only surviving Burr arch truss covered bridge — built in 1871 over the Elk Fork of the Salt River. The Burr arch truss, combining an arch with kingpost truss, was one of the most elegant engineering solutions of 19th-century bridge building. At 125 feet, this is one of the longest surviving Burr arch bridges west of the Mississippi.
Things to Do
Photographing the 1871 Burr arch covered bridge (Missouri’s only surviving example), studying 19th-century timber engineering, picnicking, fishing in the Elk Fork, and visiting a vanishing piece of rural Americana.
Visiting Today
Missouri’s only surviving Burr arch truss covered bridge spans the Elk Fork of the Salt River in rural Monroe County. The 125-foot bridge, built in 1871, is a National Historic Landmark. Fishing in the creek and picnicking available. Located near the Mark Twain Birthplace site for a combined northeast Missouri day trip.
Getting There
Located near Paris in Monroe County via Highway 24 and county roads. The 1871 Burr arch truss bridge is a National Historic Landmark — one of only a handful of surviving examples of this construction type. Best photographed in afternoon light. Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site is 30 miles southwest for a combined trip.
Insider Tips
Burr arch design: Union Covered Bridge (1871) is Missouri’s only surviving Burr arch truss bridge — a design that combines an arch with a truss for extra strength. Pro tip: The Burr arch design was patented in 1817 — it could span longer distances than simple trusses. Monroe County: The bridge crosses the Elk Fork of the Salt River — once a major salt-producing area that attracted early Missouri settlers.
Best Time to Visit
Fall: Covered bridge and autumn creek — quintessential Missouri. Spring: High water and green surroundings. Summer: Creek wading and photography. Winter: Snowy bridge scenes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Burr arch truss?
The Burr arch truss (patented by Theodore Burr, 1817) combines a semicircular arch with a kingpost truss — the arch carries compression loads while the truss handles tension. This hybrid design could span 200+ feet — longer than most other wooden bridge designs. The combination of arch and truss made these bridges remarkably strong and durable. Union Covered Bridge is Missouri’s only surviving example.
