The McKee Covered Bridge is the last bridge that I needed to see in order to complete my Oregon Covered Bridge quest. This is also the farthest bridge from my current residence in Corvallis. I made it to the bridge at around 8pm. This bridge was well worth the trip.
The plaque reads:
This bridge was built in 1917 by Jason Hartman of Jacksonville. The site was donated by Adelbert “Deb” McKee, a ranch owner to the south, whose home had served as a stage station and halfway point between Jacksonville and the Blue Ledge copper mine which operated between 1906 and 1919. Relief horses were kept there for the six and eight horse teams hauling ore from the mine, and lodging and board were provided travelers.
The bridge, declared unsafe in 1956, has been maintained by community groups, and left for its historic value and use of pedestrians.
Applegate Valley Bicentennial Committee
and
Southern Oregon Historical Society
And with that, my covered bridge saga is complete. I have yet to determine what the next quest on my motorcycle will be although I have some ideas. The four ferries serving Oregon would make a nice interlude this summer before winter sets in. The Grange halls of Oregon are also a tempting target with around 180 recognized Granges being listed on the Oregon Grange website. Perhaps all of the hydroelectric power stations of Oregon… We shall see what the future holds!
