Babb's Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Babb's Bridge
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Babb's Bridge in September 2014
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 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Gorham, Maine/Windham, Maine |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1843 |
| NRHP reference No. | 09000088 |
| Added to NRHP | September 7, 1972 |
Babb's Bridge is a special covered bridge located in Maine. It crosses the Presumpscot River, connecting the towns of Gorham and Windham. This bridge is not just any bridge; it's a beautiful copy of an older bridge that stood in the same spot for many years.
The original bridge was built a long time ago, in the 1800s. Sadly, it was damaged by fire in 1973. But the communities loved it so much that they decided to build a new one, looking just like the old one! The current Babb's Bridge was finished in 1976. It's a great example of history being rebuilt for new generations to enjoy.
What is Babb's Bridge Like?
Babb's Bridge is found on Hurricane Road. It connects the western part of Windham with the northern part of Gorham. It's a single-span bridge. This means it crosses the river in one long section.
The bridge is about 79 feet (24 meters) long. It is also about 13 feet 9 inches (4.19 meters) wide. Vehicles taller than 10 feet (3 meters) cannot pass through it. The bridge has a classic gabled roof, like a house. Its sides and ends are covered with vertical wooden boards. This design helps protect the wooden structure from the weather.
The History of Babb's Bridge
The Babb's Bridge you see today is a careful reconstruction. It was built after the original bridge was destroyed in 1973. There's a bit of a mystery about when the very first bridge was built. Some records say it was as early as 1843. Other sources, including the state, suggest it was built in 1864.
Before it was damaged, the 19th-century bridge was very important. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. This listing recognized its historical value. Both the Windham and Gorham Historical Societies worked together to get it listed.
After the old bridge was lost, the towns wanted to bring it back. They asked the state to build a copy instead of a modern concrete bridge. The community helped a lot with this project. People donated materials and their time to build the new bridge. They used building methods that were similar to how the original bridge might have been made. This helped keep its historic feel.
In 2014, the bridge needed some repairs. Some holes were cut in its roof. These repairs helped keep the bridge safe and strong for everyone.
