This is Rowell’s Bridge in Hopkinton, NH. It was built over the Contoocook River in 1853 by Horace Childs and his brothers Enoch and Warren at a cost of $300.25. The bridge is 154 feet or 47 meters long.
After it was built, someone drove a herd of cattle across it faster than was advisable moving the bridge off its abutments or foundation. It had to be brought back into place and then securely fastened.
Around 1930, a support pier was built under the center of the bridge. Unfortunately, it was built a bit too high. This caused the bridge to teeter back and forth like the wobbly table at a restaurant. The top layer of stones was removed from the pier correcting the problem.
The bridge was rebuilt in 1965 and then most recently rehabilitated in 1982. It is reportedly named for Abram (or Abraham) Rowell, an early resident of the area. I had previously photographed this bridge but was not happy with the image. I visted this one while in the same area as three other bridges.
Great history and excellent pics!
Thank you, sir.
I particularly like the first photo, so beautiful and serene.
Thank you, Liz. It was a nice spot.
🙂
Serenity…
I’m here just gazing…
Such loveliness…
Thank you, Nancy.
It warms my heart to know that wooden covered bridges still exist!! What can be more Americana?
Thank you, GP. I agree.
Great photos! Love the stories of old bridges brought back to life and still in use. Thank you for chronicling them. Blessings.
Thank you so much. I’m glad you’re enjoying the series.
Yes, a pleasure😊
You framed it beautifully with tree limbs. I like the colors of the leaves against the roof. Well done! 👁👁🍃
Thank you. It’s a good thing that the bridges look good with framing because there are always branches in the shot.
I know exactly what you mean. 🤣🍃
Love your photo series on bridges! I love the green colors of these photos 👍😃
Thank you so much, Garfield. There is a lot of green these days.
I could sit by that stream and just do nothing but watch the wonders of nature.
It would be an ideal place for that. I took a photo of another bridge later that day that had a rope to swing out into the water and hop in for a swim.
You seem to have wonderful outdoor adventurous places your end.
I am fortunate in that way, yes. There are many places here for outdoor adventures.
very cool.
Another beauty! I love how you captured the area around it too. The history is interesting, $300.25?! Wow! Great post Chris! Thank you
Thank you. There was one bridge that only cost like $70. That’s a bargain! Have a great day, Sandra. Take care.
$70?! That’s amazing! You have a great day too Chris. Take good care!
Wow.. So pretty images 💯
Thank you, Sohair.
Wow. This bridge has quite an interesting history. I really like the photos from inside the bridge. I am going to have to check and see what we have, if any at all, here in FL. Thanks, Chris. I might have a new project!
Hmmm – I wondered what a Floridian covered bridge would be like. I love to see. In Miami, I love all of the Art Deco architecture on South Beach.
Well, Florida doesn’t do so well with covered bridges. Some that we do have are a bit too far to travel to. Alabama has some–further out but they are, at least, covered bridges. Thatch roofs in FL do not constitute a covered bridge! 😀
Oh, a thatch roof covered bridge would be so unique and cool.
Just like the movie The Bridges of Madison County
With Clint Eastwood en Merlyn Streep … Nice
Thank you so much!
Just like the movie with Clint and merlyn
The Bridges of Madison County
1995 Nice
I’m starting to get jealous yanno 😉
I got two more this AM – Just saying.
You’re killing me, Smalls!!!!
He he he
It’s good to know the history of this bridge, Chris.
Thank you Miriam
You’re welcome, Chris.
I have loved seeing each of these bridges. Each one seems unique. I know you plan to visit others, but I am wondering if you have a favorite so far? – I apologize if someone has already asked that question.
Thank you. Of the ones I’ve visited this summer, I’d have to say the Squam River Bridge. It’s a pretty bridge and the image came out great. I also like the history that the town worked together to raise funds to build it. Have a great day.
Nice photos Chris – and how cool it is to go back and reshoot a spot
Thank you. It is nice to have a second chance at making a picture but I only plan to reshoot if I’m in the area.
reminds me a little bit of how Monet painted the same things a few time – he was looking for changes in light – but it also does allow for differing perspective
Thank you. The other thing I noticed is that on one bridge, the foliage has really grown in around it. So lots of things can change even if the bridge remains the same.
oh such a good point – and the little details that really make s subtle difference.
I sometimes take a photo fo the sunset from my porch – and I noticed that this one tree had grown over the five year period – it was subtle but helped me feel a little bit of the time passing
You never notice trees growing and then one day you notice it all at once.
Oh isn’t that right!!
and sadly, that tree I mentioned might now be gone – they are building a bunch of houses in that area – so the horizon line has changed greatly
I love old covered bridges!
They are great!
The view from the bridge is stunning! I like how the river bends. 😊 And interesting facts about the bridge’s history – next time I’ll drive a cattle herd over it I’ll be careful. 😉
Keep your cattle under control please.
I’ll try. 😉
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