This bridge is named “Swiftwater” and it crosses the Wild Ammonoosuc River, but with this year’s drought, the water seems neither swift nor wild.
While the water is low now, logs were once floated down this river to the sawmill. Periodically, a log jam would develop which would threaten to destroy the bridge. The State’s historical record on covered bridges reports states, “In one case, dynamite was used to break up a log jam and although the blast was successful, logs had to be removed from the roof of the bridge.”*
In the 19th century, four bridges were built at this location beginning in 1810. The first two succumbed to floods. The third lasted twenty years. It was dismantled and rebuilt in 1849.
The next record of the bridge being rebuilt was in 1977, though I’m sure work was required on the bridge during those 128 years.
An interesting post! I love the 2nd photo. I would love to see the same shot when the river is in full flood. (That is not a dare!)
I want to make a spring trip to some of these bridges. Not ALL. This has been fun but a lot of work. I’d like to see what the river looks like when the water is higher.
The river is looks so peaceful and calm!! Amazing pitures!
It’s amazingly calm right now but it will be different in the spring. Thank you, Anya. (That’s you’re name, right?)
It’s Aanya!
A double-A Aanya. Cool.
Thanks.
I particuarly the first photo, with the tilting sign in the foreground and the bridge off to the side.
Yes, thank you. I see a lot of these signs but the tilt caught my eye. Take care, Liz.
You’re welcome, Chris.
I like the rustic appearance. It fits the surroundings. 🍁🍂🌾
It is a rustic area. Thank you, Gail.
That link showed some very interesting bridge names: Blow-Me-Down, Honeymoon and Turkey Jim’s sound rather fun! You have beautiful bridges near you–we have none.
Yes, but Florida has other things that are wonderful and make it unique. Yes, I’ve been to all of those bridges. Turkey Jim’s will be coming up in a week or so.
These are beautiful pictures Chris! I love the stories you include! There’s a boyish innocence to the problem solving in those days, “let’s just float the logs down the river. When there’s a jam we’ll just blast the whole place with dynamite.” 😳
Thank you, Sandra. Ha ha ha, yes, life was simpler then with less regulation. If you needed a bit of dynamite, you could just go to the general store.
Can you imagine the grocery list?! “Coffee, flour, dynamite…”
My wife is always like “Honey can you pick up some bread, milk and TNT on the way home after class.”
🤣😂🤣
I never get tired of seeing covered bridges. The images may seem repetitive, but the comments you make with them give them all their meaning. Thanks for the post.
Thank you. I find some retitition but they are all unique. This one had all those rocks below it and the other two in the are had hydroelectric plants next to them. It makes it really interestg, much more so than I thought it would be when I started the project.
that river is stunning! I love the story as well!
Thank you so much. Have a great day.
I got to see the covered bridges from your blog; never get tired of them.😊 The pictures are beautiful too. Thanks for sharing, Chris. Take care.
Thank you, Arati. I’m glad you’re enjoying them. I’ve had a lot of fun taking the photos. Have a great day.