Arch Bridge (Bristol, Maine) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Arch Bridge
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 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
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| Location | Over the Pemaquid River on Benner Rd., Bristol, Maine |
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| Area | 0.2 acres (0.081 ha) |
| Built | between 1780 and 1807(British Embargo) |
| Built by | Probably the Benner Family |
| Architectural style | Stone arch bridge |
| NRHP reference No. | 03000618 |
| Added to NRHP | July 24 2018 |
The Arch Bridge is a really old stone bridge in Bristol, Maine. It carries Benner Road over the Pemaquid River. This bridge was probably built before the year 1800, making it one of the oldest stone bridges in Maine! It's amazing how well-preserved it is, even after so many years. Because of its history, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.
About the Arch Bridge
The Pemaquid River flows through the middle of the Bristol area in Maine. The village of Bristol Mills is located right in the center of this area. Benner Road crosses the river near a place called Biscay Pond. This is where you'll find the Arch Bridge.
How the Bridge Was Built
The Arch Bridge is made from stone. It's a "dry-laid" bridge, which means the stones were carefully placed together without using mortar (like cement). It's about 14 feet (4.3 meters) wide and 21 feet (6.4 meters) long.
The builders used stones found in fields, roughly cut stones, and river rocks. The bottom of the bridge sits directly on solid rock. The top of the arch is about 14 feet (4.3 meters) above the bedrock. Another 4 feet (1.2 meters) of stone builds up to the paved road you drive on. The sides of the bridge have granite edges and modern wooden guardrails for safety.
A Look Back in Time
No one knows the exact date the Arch Bridge was built. But clues suggest it was constructed before the year 1800. Old town records from before 1825 and after 1895 don't mention any money being spent to build a bridge here.
However, Benner Road appears on maps from 1795 and 1815. An 1857 map clearly shows an arched bridge at this exact spot. The way the bridge was built is similar to another old bridge nearby that was replaced in 1984. It's quite impressive that this bridge has only needed small repairs since it was first built!
