Contoocook Railroad Bridge

The Contoocook Railroad Bridge is a covered railway structure made of wood that crosses the Contoocook River using a double Town lattice truss design. The wooden roof and framework reflect the classic construction methods used for bridges of this type in the 1800s.

The bridge was built in 1849 and underwent major reconstruction in 1889, originally designed for the Concord and Claremont Railroad. The Boston and Maine Railroad later added it to their expanding network.

The bridge demonstrates how rail transportation shaped the region's economy and brought communities together through trade routes. Walking across it, you sense the connection between the town and the waterway that made this location valuable for industry.

You can reach the bridge through a municipal parking area located near the Contoocook Railroad Museum and local shops. The access is straightforward, making it easy to explore the structure on foot.

This structure is the oldest surviving covered railroad bridge in the United States and retains engineering elements from the 1889 reconstruction. Its long life demonstrates the quality of craftsmanship from that era.

Location: New Hampshire

Inception: 1849

GPS coordinates: 43.22306,-71.71417

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:03