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Five Stone Arch Bridges, Hillsborough, New Hampshire facts for kids

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Second New Hampshire Turnpike Bridge
Second New Hampshire Turnpike Bridge in 1936
Sawyer Bridge (Hillsborough, New Hampshire)
Sawyer Bridge in 2011
Historic American Buildings Survey E. W. Clark, Photographer CARR BRIDGE REBUILT LOOKING NORTH - Old Carr Bridge, Spanning Beard Creek, Hillsboro, Hillsborough County, NH HABS NH,6-HILL.V,1B-5
Carr Bridge in 1936
Historical American Buildings Survey L. C. Durette, Photographer May 15, 1936 GLEASON FALLS BRIDGE DETAIL FROM DOWN STREAM - Gleason Falls Bridge, Spanning Beard Brook, Hillsboro HABS NH,6-HILL.V,1D-3
Gleason Falls Bridge in 1936
Gleason Falls Road Bridge
Gleason Falls Road Bridge in 2016

The Five Stone Arch Bridges are a special group of bridges in Hillsborough, New Hampshire, United States. These bridges are made of stone and have a curved, arch shape. They are so important that the American Society of Civil Engineers named them a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. This means they are recognized as amazing examples of engineering from the past.

Building Stone Arch Bridges

These strong stone arch bridges were built in the 1800s. Before this, most bridges were made of wood. Wooden bridges were not as strong and did not last as long. People needed sturdier bridges that could handle more weight and bad weather.

Building a stone arch bridge was a very difficult job. Stonecutters needed amazing skill. Each stone had to be shaped perfectly to fit with the others. If a stone was not just right, the whole arch could be weak. At one time, there were twelve stone arch bridges in Hillsborough. Today, only five remain.

Why These Bridges Are Special

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) recognized these five bridges in 2002. They were chosen as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. A big reason for this honor is that they are all located close to each other. This makes them a unique collection of historic structures.

A man named Fred Rhyner helped make this happen. He is an engineer who works in Manchester, New Hampshire. Fred became interested in these bridges in 1996. He was working on a bridge project nearby. It took him three years to gather all the information. He filed the application in 1999.

Today, you can find a New Hampshire historical marker near the Sawyer Bridge. There is also an ASCE landmark plaque there. These markers tell visitors about the history and importance of these amazing stone bridges.

The Five Bridges

Name Location Built Around Crosses Over
Carr Bridge 43°7′49″N 71°56′41″W / 43.13028°N 71.94472°W / 43.13028; -71.94472 (Carr Bridge) mid-1800s Beards Brook
Gleason Falls Bridge 43°8′37″N 71°57′21″W / 43.14361°N 71.95583°W / 43.14361; -71.95583 (Gleason Falls Bridge) ca. 1830 Beards Brook
Gleason Falls Road over Beards Brook 43°8′42″N 71°57′34″W / 43.14500°N 71.95944°W / 43.14500; -71.95944 (Gleason Falls Road over Beards Brook) mid-1800s Beards Brook
Second New Hampshire Turnpike Bridge
Bridge at Fuller's Tannery		 43°6′41″N 71°56′35″W / 43.11139°N 71.94306°W / 43.11139; -71.94306 (Second New Hampshire Turnpike Bridge) ca. 1864 North Branch River
Sawyer Bridge 43°6′41″N 71°55′08″W / 43.11139°N 71.91889°W / 43.11139; -71.91889 (Sawyer Bridge) ca. 1866 Contoocook River
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