Sep/100
New Hampshire Covered Bridges Are Gorgeous
There are at least 55 authentic covered bridges remaining in New Hampshire. "Back in the day" the state had over 200. There are several dozen so-called 'covered bridges' located on commercial properties all over New Hampshire. Most are miniature replicas strategically placed on golf courses, pedestrian walkways, and thruways. On our website we recognize and honor only those New Hampshire bridges that have withstood the test of time and endured more New England winters than most of us ever will.
Each covered bridge has its own personality, its own history, its own story. Covered bridges are more than a means of getting from one side of the river to the other. If you find one of our covered bridges with a sign that indicates what year it was built, take a minute to consider all that has happened since the bridge was born. Most of our covered bridges are over 100 years old. Each bridge has its own personality, its own history, its own story. Covered bridges are more than a means of getting from one side of the river to the other.
Some people refer to our covered beauties as "kissing" bridges. According to popular folklore, because the bridges were covered, couples could sneak a kiss on them without being seen. Of course, that was back in the day when unmarried couples were not allowed to kiss in public.
There are many common beliefs over why bridges were once covered. One version is that the bridges were constructed to look like a barn so livestock walking over them felt at home. Another belief is that bridges were covered to keep snow off them. A rather sound explanation is that the roofs help protect the trusses upon which the bridges were built. Architects and engineers agree that the roofs help make the covered bridges more structurally sound.
Several articles on the Internet claim that the first covered bridge in the United States was built in 1804. The original bridge at Sawyer's Crossing in New Hampshire was built in 1771. Most of the covered bridges in New Hampshire have been reconstructed over the years. Of the existing 55 authentic covered bridges in New Hampshire, Sawyer's Crossing in the oldest site. Although the current bridge at Sawyer's Crossing was constructed in 1859, it replaced one built in 1771.
Want to find out more about New Hampshire's Covered Bridges, then visit our website and experience New Hampshire history.