Prentiss Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Prentiss Bridge
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 Location in New Hampshire
Location in the United States
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| Location | Great Brook near Chester Turnpike, Langdon, New Hampshire |
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| Area | 0.3 acres (0.12 ha) |
| Built | c. 1874 |
| Architectural style | Town lattice truss |
| NRHP reference No. | 73000179 |
| Added to NRHP | May 24, 1973 |
The Prentiss Bridge is a really old and special covered bridge located in Langdon, New Hampshire. It was built around 1874, which means it's over 140 years old! This bridge crosses over a stream called Great Brook. It used to be part of a main road, Chester Turnpike, but a new bridge took its place in 1955.
The Prentiss Bridge is only 36 feet (11 m) long. It's the shortest covered bridge from the 1800s in New Hampshire that was built for public roads and is still standing today. Because it's so important, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
About the Prentiss Bridge
What Does It Look Like?
The Prentiss Bridge is in a quiet, countryside area in southern Langdon. It crosses Great Brook, just east of the main road, Chester Turnpike. The bridge is 36 feet (11 m) long and 15 feet (4.6 m) wide. It sits on strong stone supports called abutments.
The outside of the bridge is covered with vertical wooden boards. There's a small gap between these boards and the roof. This gap helps with air flow inside the bridge.
How Was It Built?
This bridge uses a special design called a Town lattice truss. Imagine a lot of wooden beams crisscrossing each other like a giant fence. This pattern makes the bridge very strong and helps it hold up weight. It was a popular way to build bridges a long time ago.
A Bridge Through Time
People have built bridges in this spot for a very long time. Records show that a bridge was here as early as 1791. In 1794, the town spent money to build a bridge near a mill owned by Jabez Rockwell and John Prentiss.
In 1874, the town decided to replace that old bridge. They spent $1,000 to build a new one. The Prentiss Bridge we see today was likely built around that time. It was used for cars and wagons on Chester Turnpike until 1955. Now, it's a peaceful spot where people can walk across and enjoy the history.
