Sunday River Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Sunday River Bridge
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 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Newry, Maine |
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| Area | 0.3 acres (0.12 ha) |
| Built | 1872 |
| Architect | York, Hiram; Eames, Levi |
| Architectural style | Paddleford Truss |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000059 |
| Added to NRHP | February 16, 1970 |
The Sunday River Bridge, also called the Artists Bridge, is a very old and special covered bridge in Newry, Maine. It's found near the Sunday River Ski Resort. This bridge crosses the Sunday River. It was built in 1872 and is one of the few covered bridges from the 1800s still standing in Maine. In 1970, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's an important historical site.
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About the Sunday River Bridge
The Sunday River Bridge is a type of bridge called a Paddleford truss bridge. It crosses the Sunday River in Newry, Maine. This is a small town in western Oxford County.
Bridge Size and Design
The bridge is about 100 feet (30 m) long and 20 feet (6.1 m) wide. It stands 22 feet (6.7 m) tall. The bridge rests on strong stone supports made of cut granite. Inside, there is enough space for things up to 14 feet (4.3 m) high and 17 feet (5.2 m) wide.
The main parts of the bridge are called trusses. These are made of crossed wooden beams. They are built around strong vertical posts called King posts. The bridge has a roof shaped like a house, covered with wood shingles. The sides are covered with vertical wooden boards about halfway up. The ends are also boarded from the roof down to the openings where you enter.
A Look at the Bridge's History
The first bridge at this spot was built in 1811. The town paid for it, just like all the bridges that came after it. But in 1869, a big flood in the spring washed that bridge away. A new bridge was built in 1871, but it fell apart that same autumn.
Building a Stronger Bridge
The current Sunday River Bridge was built in 1872. The builders made sure it was very strong and stable. This was important because of the earlier problems. A huge flood happened in 1927, washing away many bridges in the area. But the Sunday River Bridge was safe! The floodwaters went around its foundations, so it stayed standing.
In 1955, a new road was built that went around the bridge. So, the Sunday River Bridge is no longer used for cars. Now, people can walk across it and enjoy its history.
