List of bridges on the National Register of Historic Places in Maine facts for kids
Maine is home to many amazing old bridges. These special structures have been around for a long time! They are so important that they are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This list helps protect historic places all over the United States. Let's explore some of Maine's coolest and most interesting bridges!
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Historic Bridges in Maine
Many bridges in Maine are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are important parts of history. They show us how people built things in the past.
Androscoggin Swinging Bridge
The Androscoggin Swinging Bridge is in Brunswick. It was first built in 1892. This bridge is a suspension bridge. That means it hangs from strong cables, like a giant swing! It's a fun way to cross the Androscoggin River.
Arch Bridge
The Arch Bridge is found in Bristol. It was built around 1857. This bridge is a stone arch bridge. It uses strong stone arches to hold itself up. It's a beautiful example of old stone building.
Bailey Island Cobwork Bridge
The Bailey Island Cobwork Bridge is in Harpswell. It was built in 1928. This bridge is super unique! It's the only cribstone bridge left in the world. It's made from granite rocks stacked together without any cement. It lets the ocean tides flow right through it!
Acadia National Park Bridges
Acadia National Park has many beautiful carriage paths, bridges, and gatehouses. These were built between 1919 and 1931. The bridges here often have cool Gothic arched designs. They were made for horse-drawn carriages to travel through the park.
Churchill Bridge
The Churchill Bridge is in Buckfield. It was built way back in 1797! This is a stone lintel bridge. It uses flat stones placed across supports. It's one of the oldest bridges on the list.
New Portland Wire Bridge
The New Portland Wire Bridge is in New Portland. It was built in 1866. This bridge is very special. It might be the only wire (suspension) bridge still standing in the United States! It has cool covered wooden towers.
Two Cent Bridge
The Two Cent Bridge connects Waterville and Winslow. It was built in 1903. This is another suspension bridge. It got its name because it used to cost two cents to cross it!
Covered Bridges
Maine has several historic covered bridges. These bridges have roofs and walls, like a tunnel. This protects the wooden parts from weather, making them last longer.
- The Bennett Bridge in Wilson Mills was built in 1901.
- The Hemlock Bridge in Fryeburg Center was built in 1857.
- The Lovejoy Bridge in South Andover was built in 1868.
- The Porter-Parsonfield Bridge connects Porter and Parsonsfield. It was built in 1876.
- The Sunday River Bridge in Newry was built in 1872.
- The Watson Settlement Bridge in Littleton was built in 1911.
Many of these covered bridges use a special design called a Paddleford truss or Howe truss. These are ways the wooden beams are arranged to make the bridge strong.
Bridges No Longer on the Register
Sometimes, bridges are removed from the National Register of Historic Places. This can happen if they are destroyed or taken down.
- The Lowe's Bridge in Sangerville was built in 1857. It was sadly lost in a flood.
- The Morse Bridge in Bangor was built in 1882. This covered bridge burned down in the 1980s.
- The New Sharon Bridge in New Sharon was built in 1916. It was torn down in 2014.
- The Waldo-Hancock Bridge connected Prospect and Verona. It was a suspension bridge built in 1931. It was demolished in 2013.
These bridges may be gone, but their history is still important!
Images for kids
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New Sharon Bridge
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Smith Bridge
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Waldo-Hancock Bridge
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