Stone Arch Bridge (Keene, New Hampshire) facts for kids
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Stone Arch Bridge
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Postcard image, early 20th century
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 Location in New Hampshire
Location in the United States
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| Location | Mile 89.41 of the Cheshire Railroad over Branch River, between Route 101 and Swanzey Factory Road, Keene, New Hampshire |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1847 |
| Architect | Lucian Tilton |
| Architectural style | Stone arch bridge |
| NRHP reference No. | 12000504 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | August 14, 2012 |
The Stone Arch Bridge is a historic stone bridge in Keene, New Hampshire. It was built in 1847 for the Cheshire Railroad to carry trains. This bridge is one of the best-preserved stone arch bridges built before 1850 in the United States.
Because it is so special, the bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2012. It was also listed on the New Hampshire State Register of Historic Places in 2006. Today, the bridge is no longer used by trains. Instead, it is part of a multi-purpose path called a rail trail, which people use for walking and biking.
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What is the Stone Arch Bridge?
The Stone Arch Bridge is in southeastern Keene, New Hampshire. It crosses a river called The Branch. The main part of the bridge is a huge arch made of granite stone.
This arch is about 68 feet (21 meters) wide. It rises about 48 feet (15 meters) above the water. The bridge also has strong stone walls on its sides, called wing walls. These walls help support the arch and hold up the earth that forms the path over the bridge. The whole structure is about 700 feet (213 meters) long.
How Was the Bridge Built?
The Cheshire Railroad built the Stone Arch Bridge in 1847. This railroad connected towns like Fitchburg, Massachusetts, and Bellows Falls, Vermont. The bridge was designed by Lucian Tilton. He was a famous engineer who worked on many railroad and public projects.
At the time it was built, the Stone Arch Bridge was one of the largest stone arch bridges in the country. People admired its beautiful and strong construction.
What is a Rail Trail?
The Cheshire Railroad stopped using this line in 1972. In the 1990s, the state of New Hampshire bought much of the old railroad land. They turned it into a multi-use path called the Cheshire Rail Trail.
A rail trail is a path created from an old railroad line. These trails are popular for walking, running, biking, and sometimes even horseback riding. The Stone Arch Bridge is now an important part of the Cheshire Rail Trail, allowing people to enjoy the outdoors and history at the same time.
Images for kids
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Postcard image, early 20th century
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The bridge in 2013
