West Dummerston Covered Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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West Dummerston Covered Bridge
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 Location in Vermont
Location in the United States
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| Location | East-West Rd. and VT 30, over West River, Dummerston, Vermont |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1872 |
| Architect | Lamson, Caleb B. |
| Architectural style | Town lattice truss |
| NRHP reference No. | 73000207 |
| Added to NRHP | May 08, 1973 |
The West Dummerston Covered Bridge is a very old and special bridge in Dummerston, Vermont. It crosses over the West River. This bridge was built in 1872. It is the longest covered bridge completely inside the state of Vermont, measuring about 280 feet (85 meters) long. Because it is so important, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
About the West Dummerston Bridge
The West Dummerston Covered Bridge is found in the middle-west part of Dummerston. It is just north of the small village of West Dummerston. The bridge goes across the West River from east to west. It rests on strong stone supports and a central stone pillar.
How the Bridge is Built
This bridge has two main sections. Each section is held up by a special design called a Town lattice truss. This design uses many crisscrossing wooden beams to make the bridge very strong. The total length of the bridge is about 280 feet (85 meters).
The sides of the bridge are covered with flat wooden boards. The ends of the bridge have wooden clapboards, which are overlapping planks. The roof is made of corrugated metal, placed over an older roof that used wooden shingles. You might notice diamond-shaped holes cut into the side walls. These holes let in extra light, making the inside brighter.
History of the Bridge
The West Dummerston Covered Bridge was built in 1872. A skilled builder named Caleb Lamson created it. This bridge is the only known example of his work that is still standing in Windham County.
This bridge holds a special record in Vermont. At 280 feet (85 meters) long, it is the longest covered bridge that is entirely within the state. For example, the Scott Covered Bridge in Townshend is a bit shorter, at 277 feet (84 meters). The Cornish–Windsor Covered Bridge, which connects Vermont to New Hampshire over the Connecticut River, is the longest covered bridge in the entire country, measuring 449 feet (137 meters).
