Keniston Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Keniston Bridge
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 Location in New Hampshire
Location in the United States
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| Location | Bridge Rd. over Blackwater River, Andover, New Hampshire |
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| Area | 0.1 acres (0.040 ha) |
| Built | 1882 |
| Built by | Hamilton, Albert R. |
| Architectural style | Ithiel Town through truss |
| NRHP reference No. | 89000190 |
| Added to NRHP | March 16, 1989 |
The Keniston Bridge is a historic covered bridge in Andover, New Hampshire. It carries Bridge Street over the Blackwater River. This bridge was built in 1882. It uses a special design called a Town through truss. It is one of the few covered bridges from the 1800s still standing in New Hampshire. What makes it extra unique is that its sides are not fully covered. This lets you see the cool wooden frame inside. The bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. This means it is a very important historical site.
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About the Keniston Bridge
The Keniston Bridge is in a quiet, countryside area. It is west of Andover's main town. The bridge helps Bridge Street cross the Blackwater River. It is a short distance south of U.S. Route 4. The bridge has a single span. This means it crosses the river in one continuous section. It rests on strong granite supports. Some parts of these supports have been fixed with concrete.
How the Bridge Was Built
Much of the bridge's original wood is still there. Over the years, some parts have been made stronger. Wooden cords and steel beams were added. These help the bridge carry heavier loads. Some parts of the downstream side of the bridge have also been replaced. The bridge has a wooden shingle roof. It is about 73 feet (22 m) long. It is also about 19 feet (5.8 m) wide. The space between the two river banks it connects is 51 feet (16 m).
Who Built the Bridge
A local builder named Albert Hamilton built the Keniston Bridge. It has been repaired and updated a few times. These updates happened in 1949 and 1981. Most of the new parts that make it stronger are hidden. You can't easily see them from the outside. They are behind its wooden sides or under its main structure.
Why This Bridge Is Special
Unlike many other covered bridges in New Hampshire, its sides are not completely closed off. The wooden siding only goes up about 5 feet (1.5 m). This lets you see the cool truss design. The Keniston Bridge has lasted so long partly because it is on a small road. Not many cars use this road. This helps protect the old bridge from heavy wear and tear.
