Roberts Ferry Covered Bridge

The original Ferry Boat remained in John Roberts’ name until 1887 when he built a wooden truss toll bridge. In 1916 Stanislaus County constructed a new toll-free steel truss bridge, which was used until destroyed by floods in January, 1997.

The present bridge, concrete with a wooden cover to blend in with the historic nature of this area, was completed in the same location in 1999. It was dedicated to long-time community member Mabel McMillian Cree, who was instrumental in the development and design of the new bridge. Mabel's granddaughter currently owns Roberts Ferry Gourmet, just across Highway 132.

Crossing the TUOLUMNE river

The current Roberts Ferry Covered Bridge, which spans 200.1 feet, is not only the longest drivable covered bridge in California, but also boasts a walking path allowing you to take in the upstream and downstream views of the Tuolumne River.

The historical walk shares more history of the establishment of Stanislaus County and the community of Roberts Ferry, including Roberts Ferry School District, which celebrated 100 Years of education in 2023!

a single schoolhouse

from many

The first school in the Roberts Ferry area was founded in 1855. We say first because two other schools were later founded within the community, each with an attendance average of 10 students. In 1854 there were only 81 children between the ages of 5 and 18 in all of Stanislaus County, which grew to nearly 1,845 by 1880.

In 1923 these schools joined together and a new school, Roberts Ferry, was built where the current school parking lot is. This schoolhouse was later replaced by the main building currently standing at Roberts Ferry Elementary School in 1971, which has since expanded twice. The trees seen in the photo to the right are the original trees planted in 1923.

The legacy of a community