Bog Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Bog Bridge
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 Location in New Hampshire
Location in the United States
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| Location | Off NH 11 over Pleasant Brook, Andover, New Hampshire |
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| Area | 0.1 acres (0.040 ha) |
| Built | 1887 |
| Built by | Atwood, Prentice C. |
| Architectural style | Town through truss |
| NRHP reference No. | 89000192 |
| Added to NRHP | March 16, 1989 |
The Bog Bridge, also called the Cilleyville Bridge, is a really old and special covered bridge in Andover, New Hampshire. It was built way back in 1887. You can find it off New Hampshire Route 11, just west of the center of Andover. This bridge is a "Town lattice truss" style bridge. It's one of the few covered bridges from the 1800s that are still standing in New Hampshire! It hasn't changed much since it was built, except for a new roof and one part of its base being fixed. Because it's so old and important, the bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.
Contents
What Makes the Bog Bridge Special?
The Bog Bridge crosses over Pleasant Brook. This brook flows into the Blackwater River. The bridge is about 53 feet (16 m) long and 13 feet (4.0 m) wide. It stretches 49 feet (15 m) over the water. The sides of the bridge are covered with vertical wooden planks.
How the Bridge Has Changed Over Time
The roof of the bridge was replaced in 1982 with asphalt shingles. This is the biggest change ever made to the bridge. The bridge sits on strong bases made of large granite blocks. The base on the east side is the original one. It was built without any mortar (like cement). The base on the west side was damaged during a big storm in 1938. It had to be rebuilt using cement mortar. At some point, iron bolts were added to make the bridge even stronger.
A Unique Design Feature
The Bog Bridge is a bit unusual compared to other covered bridges in New Hampshire. It doesn't have "lateral bracing." This is a type of support that helps keep a bridge straight. Because it didn't have this, the bridge was slightly tilted for many years!
A Look Back at the Bridge's History
The Bog Bridge was built in 1887 by a local carpenter named Prentice C. Atwood. He used a design called the "Town through truss." This design was created by Ithiel Town.
How the Bridge Was Used
Originally, the bridge was part of Bog Road. It helped people and wagons cross Pleasant Brook. But in 1957, a new part of New Hampshire Route 11 was built. This new road went around the bridge. After that, the Bog Bridge was only used by people walking.
One of the Last Remaining Bridges
Andover used to have at least seven covered bridges from the 1800s or early 1900s. But today, only two of them are still standing. The Bog Bridge is one of these two survivors! The other one is the Keniston Bridge.
