Hamden Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hamden Bridge |
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Hamden Covered Bridge, May 2006
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| Crosses | West Branch of the Delaware River |
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Hamden Covered Bridge
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 Location in New York
Location in the United States
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| Location | Basin Clove Rd., Hamden, New York |
| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1859 |
| Built by | Murray, Robert |
| NRHP reference No. | 99000502 |
| Added to NRHP | April 29, 1999 |
The Hamden Bridge is a historic wooden covered bridge located in the small town of Hamden. It stretches over the West Branch of the Delaware River. This bridge is a cool example of old-fashioned engineering and has been around for a very long time!
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About the Hamden Bridge
The Hamden Bridge was built way back in 1859. It is a single-span bridge, meaning it crosses the river without any supports in the middle. The bridge is made from timber and planks.
It measures about 128 feet (39 meters) long. That's longer than two school buses! It is also 18 feet (5.5 meters) wide. This bridge is a great example of how people built things in the past.
What is a Covered Bridge?
A covered bridge is a special type of bridge with walls and a roof. They look a bit like a long, narrow barn. The main reason bridges were covered was to protect the wooden parts from bad weather. Rain, snow, and sun can damage wood over time. The roof and walls helped the bridge last much longer.
The Hamden Bridge is a "timber and plank framed" bridge. This means its main structure uses strong wooden beams and planks.
Bridge History and Changes
When the Hamden Bridge was first built in 1859, it was a single span. This means it crossed the river without any support in the middle. However, in 1940, a supporting pier was added in the center. This extra support helps the bridge stay strong and safe even today.
Protecting the Hamden Bridge
The Hamden Bridge is an important part of history. Because of its age and unique design, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1999. This is a special list of places in the United States that are important to American history and culture. Being on this list helps protect the bridge for future generations to enjoy.
