List of covered bridges in New Hampshire facts for kids
New Hampshire is a state in the United States known for its beautiful nature and many historic covered bridges. These special bridges are made of wood and have roofs and sides, looking like long, cozy tunnels. They were built to protect the wooden parts from rain and snow, making them last much longer.
Today, New Hampshire has 58 historic covered bridges that are officially numbered. There are also other covered bridges, some on private land. The newest one known in the state is the Wason Bridge in Chester, built in 2011 by a group called the Timber Framers Guild.
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Exploring New Hampshire's Covered Bridges
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Many of these bridges have interesting stories and unique features. Some are for cars, some for people walking, and a few even for ATVs or golf carts!
Famous and Unique Bridges
- Contoocook Railroad Bridge: Located in Contoocook, this bridge was built around 1849–50. It's super special because it's the oldest covered railroad bridge in the entire United States! It's also called the Hopkinton Railroad Covered Bridge.
- Cornish–Windsor Bridge: This long bridge connects Cornish, New Hampshire and Windsor, Vermont over the Connecticut River. Built in 1866, it was once the longest wooden covered bridge in the U.S. for many years. It's still a very impressive sight and allows car traffic.
- Clark's Bridge: Found in North Woodstock, this bridge was built in 1904. It's part of the Clark's Bears park and is the only known covered railroad bridge still in active use today! It was moved from Vermont around 1965.
- Sulphite Railroad Bridge: In Franklin, this bridge from 1896 is the only remaining "deck-covered" railroad bridge in the U.S. It's also called the "Upside Down Bridge" because the train tracks used to run over the top. It's no longer in use and has no access.
- Smith Millennium Bridge: Built in 2001 in Plymouth, this bridge is known as "the strongest covered bridge in the world." It's the third bridge built on this spot and allows both cars and people.
Bridges for Different Travelers
Many bridges are open to cars, like the Bath Bridge (1832) over the Ammonoosuc River and the Blair Bridge (1869) over the Pemigewasset River. The Blair Bridge even has an old sign warning, "Five dollars fine for riding or driving on this bridge faster than a walk!"
Some bridges are just for people walking, like the Allen Hollis Bridge (1981) in Woodstock and the Tannery Hill Bridge (1995) in Gilford. The Tannery Hill Bridge was built by the Gilford Rotary Club.
The Groveton Bridge (1852) in Groveton is unique because it allows both foot traffic and ATVs (All-Terrain Vehicles). It even has picnic tables inside!
Newer Covered Bridges
While many covered bridges are very old, new ones are still being built. The Chester Bridge (2011) in Chester was built by volunteers and the Timber Framers Guild. The Squam River Bridge (1990) in Ashland and the Stowell Road Bridge (1990) in Merrimack are also more recent additions.
Shortest and Longest Bridges
The Prentiss Bridge (1874) in Langdon is the shortest covered bridge in New Hampshire, measuring only 36 feet (about 11 meters) long. On the other hand, the Cornish–Windsor Bridge was once the longest, showing how varied these structures can be.
Lost Covered Bridges
Sadly, some covered bridges that once stood in New Hampshire are no longer with us. They were lost due to storms, fires, or being taken apart. Here are a few notable ones:
- Bedell Covered Bridge in Haverhill was destroyed in 1979.
- County Farm Bridge in Dover burned down in 1981.
- Goffstown Covered Railroad Bridge in Goffstown also burned in 1976.
- Hillsborough Railroad Bridge in Hillsborough, New Hampshire was lost to fire in 1985.
- New Henniker Bridge in West Hopkinton was dismantled in 1936.
These lost bridges remind us to appreciate and protect the beautiful covered bridges that still stand today!
