Buskirk Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Buskirk Covered Bridge
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Buskirk Bridge from the Rensselaer County side of the Hoosic River
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 Location in New York
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Buskirk, New York |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1850 |
| Architectural style | Howe truss |
| MPS | Covered Bridges of Washington County TR / Buskirk, Rexleigh, Eagleville, and Shushan Covered Bridges |
| NRHP reference No. | 78003457 |
| Added to NRHP | March 08, 1978 |
The Buskirk Bridge is a special wooden covered bridge located in the town of Hoosick. It crosses the Hoosic River and is named after the nearby small community of Buskirk. This bridge is one of the oldest and most interesting covered bridges in New York State. It has been an important part of the area for many years.
Contents
What is a Covered Bridge?
A covered bridge is a wooden bridge with a roof and sides. These coverings protect the wooden parts of the bridge from weather like rain and snow. This helps the bridge last much longer. Covered bridges were common in the 1800s. They are now seen as historic landmarks.
The Howe Truss Design
The Buskirk Bridge uses a special design called a Howe truss. A truss is a framework of beams that supports a bridge. The Howe truss was invented by William Howe in 1840. This design uses both wood and iron rods. It is known for being strong and stable. The Buskirk Bridge was built in 1850. It replaced an older bridge that used a different design. It might be the oldest Howe truss bridge still standing in New York State.
A Historic Landmark
The Buskirk Bridge is very important historically. It is one of four covered bridges in Washington County that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a special list of places in the United States that are important to history. The bridge was added to this list on March 8, 1972. The other bridges listed at the same time were the Rexleigh Bridge, the Eagleville Bridge, and the Shushan Bridge.
Who Maintains the Bridge?
Even today, the Buskirk Bridge is still used by vehicles. It is cared for by two different counties working together. These are Washington County and Rensselaer County. They both help make sure the bridge stays safe and in good condition for everyone to use.
