Choate Bridge

The Choate Bridge spans the Ipswich River with two stone arches, measuring 72 feet in length and featuring roughly dressed granite construction throughout its structure.

Built in 1764, the Choate Bridge holds the distinction of being the oldest documented bridge in Massachusetts and the second oldest surviving bridge in the United States.

Colonel John Choate supervised the construction without charging the town, while a blind poet named Mr. Clark composed verses celebrating the bridge's creation.

The bridge carries Routes 1A and 133 over the Ipswich River, accommodating between 10,000 and 20,000 vehicles daily through its expanded 35-foot-wide roadway.

The bridge combines two distinct construction methods: the original western section uses lime mortar, while the eastern addition from 1838 employs dry-laid stonework.

Location: Massachusetts

GPS coordinates: 42.67947,-70.83710

Latest update: September 23, 2025 16:45