Annisquam Bridge, Historic road bridge in Gloucester, United States
Annisquam Bridge is a road bridge spanning across Lobster Cove, connecting the village of Annisquam to mainland Gloucester, Massachusetts. The structure uses wooden pile construction and features a central draw section that was historically operated by hand-crank mechanism to allow water passage.
An earlier bridge stood at this location from 1847 before the current structure was built in 1861 to serve the growing village. The design incorporated engineering practices common to 19th-century coastal Massachusetts, establishing a pattern of water access that continues today.
The wooden pile structure serves as a vital link between the Annisquam village community and the broader Gloucester area. Residents and visitors alike experience the craftsmanship visible in its design each time they cross, creating a sense of continuity with the local past.
The structure underwent several renovations and periods of closure during the 20th century but now operates for regular foot and vehicle traffic. Visitors can easily locate it as it serves as the main connection between the Annisquam village and the broader area.
A 1979 survey identified only two other wooden pile bridges similar to this one in all of New England, making it exceptionally rare. This rarity underscores its importance as a surviving example of a construction method that has largely disappeared from the region.
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