The Contoocook Railroad Bridge In New Hampshire Is The Oldest Example Of A Train Bridge In America
If there’s anything our readers should know it’s that we love a good covered bridge! From the longest to the oldest to all the ones that sit somewhere in between, there’s something about the quaint covered bridges that dot the landscape in New Hampshire that makes us even more grateful to be here. But this one comes with an even more special history.
The Contoocook Railroad Bridge spans the Contoocook River in the town of (you guessed it!) Contoocook. It's the oldest standing example of a covered bridge with railroad tracks in America.
The fact that it's still standing is no small feat. It made it through 1936 flood, then a hurricane in 1938. It had to be moved from its foundations twice. Another time a flooding river threatened to wash it away completely, but it was saved by the strength of the rail tracks that run through it.
Through the hard work of people who felt this bridge was worth sharing with the public, it was preserved and made a part of the historic railroad depot near it.
A day trip to Contoocook is a no-brainer for those who love the state's covered bridges. But it's also wonderful for those who appreciate transportation history in America.
Michelle has lived in many places, but counts Maine as one of the best. In addition to the smell of ocean water in the air on rainy days in Portland, she loves puppies, photography, funny people, the Maine Red Claws, traveling, fresh tomatoes, Cambodia and filling out forms. For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
