Also known as the Kissin’ Bridge, this is one long bridge. A plaque says it is the longest in New Hampshire at 375 feet. That’s technically true but the bridge between Cornish, NH and Windsor VT (at 449 feet) is the longest in the US but not truly all in New Hampshire.
There has been a bridge here since 1794 when you could build a bridge for $366.66. The first three bridges were destroyed by floods. The fourth was destroyed by a fire. (Note: That’s the third bridge I’ve toured that has been destroyed by fire.) This bridge was built in 1831-1832 and included stone abutments and piers.
When you enter the bridge and look at the construction, it has arches upon arches. I don’t really quite understand the engineering but in 1920 the bridge was raised to pass over the railroad and a second set of overlapping arches were added.
This was the first bridge that I’ve visited that was at the site of a hydroelectric dam. The state gets about 4% of it’s power from hydroelectric plants but I never see many dams. At the base of the White Mountains, this is the perfect place to build a dam and power plant.
The State’s historical record on covered bridges reports that, “at one time, there was a sign posted at the bridge which prohibited riding horses across the bridge at a trot. It was believed that the impact of trotting horses could cause the structure to fall apart.” *
Does it actually get that much traffic? Is there another Kissing bridge somewhere, I seem to recall seeing a sign for such a bridge, mind you, I could have been in NH at the time.. Brain is still a few steps behind.. need coffee.
I think there are many kissing bridges. I mean, why not? Right? It had a fair amount of traffic the day I was there.
My wife was reading this post ‘over my shoulder’ and remarks that she has loved covered bridges ever since she saw a dramatisation of Anne of Green Gables! Great post Chris!
Thank you so much. I’m glad she enjoyed it.
You certainly know how to hit my soft spots. I’ve always loved covered wooden bridges since I was a kid. To me they are one of our last symbols of true Americana.
I totally agree. Thanks, GP
Definitely has room for more than one couple. 😜🍁🍂🌾
I think it’s the next bridge that has an occupancy limit. It is closed to vehicular traffic and I wonder if they have functions on it.
So in those days, engineers were aware of harmonic vibrations thought to be from the frequency of hoof fall. A quick Google search found that in 1831 troops marching in step across a suspension bridge in England matched the bridge’s natural harmonic frequency. It broke apart and soldiers were dumped into the water. That generated the concept of soldiers “breaking stride” so that there is no chance that the cadence could match the frequency of the bridge’s natural harmonics.
Really? I never knew that was a thing.
Something I learned about from Civil Air Patrol but I didn’t have any examples before.
So, what about the ‘kissing’ part of the bridge? 😉
What could be more romantic than a covered bridge. And romance leads to kissin’.
Another lovely one. You should make a book.
A book would be another level of effort. But thank you.
I like the comment above about making a book! A handsome coffee table hard cover edition! You have all the research and the gorgeous photos. But I understand it would be a next level type of project I’d imagine. Thank you so much for sharing this series so generously! We made it to the end of the week! Take good care Chris!
Thank you so much, Sandra. I will make calendars for 2021 for Christmas gifts using these images but a book is just a much larger project. I’ve really enjoyed making the series and sharing it here. Today I did the six northern most bridges. I was so far north that I saw frost and signs for the Canadian border.
Wow! Imagining frost right now seems almost unreal given all the heat and smoke. So happy to hear there are signs of cooler weather on the way.
I want to go cycling up trhere this weekend and am wondering what clothes I’ll need with daytime highs in the 50s. I see gloves in my future.
Have a look on the longest and highest suspension bridge of Nepal.. 😁
OMG Thank you so much, Arati. That was awesome. None of our covered bridges are that high. I would walk the bridge but no way would I ride a bike or motorbike on it. No way. Thank you so much.
Love these bridge interiors. Really hope to go on the bridge tour here soon(ish)
Thank you, Teri. Better hurry before the you know what flies.
Your bridge series is amazing.
Thank you so much, Rupali. There will be another bridge today!