Fresh mountain air, gorgeous vistas, and sparkling lakes are just a few of the reasons why Vermont is special. Add scenic country roads, winding streams, and historic covered bridges and it’s easy to see why tourism is the third-largest industry in the state. But why did Vermonters build these historic bridges and where can tourists find them? Read on to learn more.
Legend has provided three reasons why many bridges were covered during their heydey of construction (mostly between 1825 and 1875.) A few say it was to keep the horses from seeing the rushing water. A few more have proposed that it was to keep the snow off the bridge so travelers could get through more easily. However, the generally accepted reason was to protect the trusses and decks from rain and snow, preventing decay. It seems it did the job because there are at least six left in the Bennington County, Vermont area.
Arlington Covered Bridge
Also known as the Bridge at the Green, the covered bridge faces Norman Rockwell’s Retreat. (Norman Rockwell was the famous Saturday Evening Post illustrator). First constructed in 1852, the bridge spans the lovely Batten Kill; a popular place for fishing and tubing. Visit today and you’ll enjoy views of the nearby mountains, pretty church, and rolling countryside. The Arlington Covered Bridge is one of the state’s oldest bridges. Location: South of 313, Covered Bridge Rd., West Arlington
Chiselville Covered Bridge
You can almost hear the distant sounds of the making of fine chisels and edge tools when you walk on this bridge. The factory no longer exists, but the Chiselville Covered Bridge, thankfully, does. The lattice truss bridge is located 40 feet over the Roaring Branch of the Battenkill. Built in 1869 at a cost of 2307.31, steel girders were added for support after being damaged in 1971. Location: 412 Sunderland Hill Rd, Sunderland
Henry Bridge
Perhaps my favorite bridge, the current Henry Bridge was constructed in 1840 and spans the Walloomsac River. In fact, you can often see families frolicking in the river below the bridge. The structure has a fascinating history. The original Henry Bridge was built around 1770 and was the site of an armed standoff. Three hundred men, led by the governor of Albany, NY, were confronted at the original bridge by the Green Mountain Boys. After a tense standoff, the posse turned around and marched back to New York State. Location: 34 River Road, Bennington
Paper Mill Bridge
Not far from Bennington College on Murphy Road, lies the Paper Mill Bridge or Paper Mill Village Covered Bridge. It is so named for the old paper mill factory which was located adjacent to the bridge. Constructed in 1889 the structure covers 125 feet and spans the Waloomsac River. This makes it the longest covered Bridge in Bennington County. Location: Murphy Rd, Bennington
Silk Road Bridge
Erected in 1840, Silk Road Bridge is a town lattice truss bridge that has carried citizens over the Waloomsac for many years. It lies very close to the Henry and Paper Mill bridges, so why not visit all three? The bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. Location: Silk Road, Bennington
Eagleville Covered Bridge
Eagleville Covered Bridge is actually located in Eagleville just inside the New York border and close to West Arlington. It is the only one of the six bridges not painted entirely red. Built by Ephraim Clapp in 1858, it is one of 29 historic, covered bridges remaining in the state of New York. The single span of 100′ crosses the popular Batten Kill. Location: Eagleville Road, Town of Jackson-Salem, NY GPS: N43° 04.986′ W073° 18.775′
Would you rather see a short slide show/video of the bridges? See below.
References
Ancestral Findings: The History of Covered Bridges in America
Barna, E. (1996) Covered Bridges of Vermont. Woodstock, Vermont: The Countryman Press.
Manchester Vermont: Covered Bridges
New York Covered Bridge Society: Eagleville Bridge
This is Vermont: Standoff at the Henry Covered Bridge
US Dept of Transportation, FHA: Ohio’s Vanishing Covered Bridges
World Atlas: What are the Biggest Industries in Vermont?