Hammond Covered Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Hammond Covered Bridge
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 Location in Vermont
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Pittsford, Vermont |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1842 |
| Built by | Asa Nourse |
| Architectural style | Town lattice truss |
| NRHP reference No. | 74000256 |
| Added to NRHP | January 21, 1974 |
The Hammond Covered Bridge is a special old bridge in Pittsford, Vermont. It's a type of bridge called a covered bridge, which means it has walls and a roof, almost like a tunnel. This bridge crosses Otter Creek. It was built a long time ago, in 1842, by a person named Asa Nourse. The Hammond Covered Bridge is famous for a big adventure it had during a flood! It's also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's an important historical site.
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About the Hammond Covered Bridge
The Hammond Covered Bridge is found just north of the Pittsford Village center. It stretches across Otter Creek, going from east to west. This bridge is a great example of a "Town lattice" design. This means its sides are made of many wooden planks that cross each other in a crisscross pattern, like a lattice.
How the Bridge Looks
The bridge is about 139 feet (42 m) long. Its roadway, where cars used to drive, is 18 feet (5.5 m) wide. The ends of the bridge, called abutments, are made of stone and marble slabs. These are now topped with strong concrete.
The outside of the bridge is covered with vertical wooden boards. These boards also go around the entrance openings, called portals. Inside the bridge, there are square openings that let light in. The roof is made of corrugated metal, which helps protect the bridge from the weather.
Building the Bridge
The Hammond Covered Bridge was built in 1842 by a builder named Asa Nourse. It was originally part of Kendall Hill Road. This road now goes just south of the bridge.
A Bridge's Big Adventure
In 1927, something amazing happened! A huge flood swept the bridge about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) downstream. But the bridge stayed in one piece! Because it was still strong and usable, people decided to move it back. They placed the bridge on barrels and rolled it all the way back to its original spot. This incredible journey earned it the nickname "the bridge that went on a voyage."
The Bridge Today
After its big adventure, the Hammond Covered Bridge was later replaced for vehicle traffic. A new steel and concrete bridge was built on Kendall Hill Road. This means the old covered bridge is now closed to cars and trucks.
In 1961, the state of Vermont took ownership of the bridge. They are now in charge of keeping it in good condition. It stands as a historic landmark, reminding everyone of its long history and unique journey.
