Rowell's Covered Bridge, pont américain
Rowell's Covered Bridge is a straightforward wooden structure that spans the Contoocook River in Hopkinton, supported by two large trusses with a metal roof protecting the framework inside. The sides are lined with dark wooden boards, and the design incorporates solid timber arches that add both strength and a decorative quality to the span.
The original bridge was built in the 1800s but was destroyed by a flood and rebuilt in the early 1850s with a Long truss design enhanced by solid timber arches. Builder Horace Childs, a skilled carpenter from Henniker, created these distinctive arches that became a hallmark of his bridge-building work across New England.
The bridge bears the Rowell family name, who settled in the area in the late 1700s and shaped the local community through farming and mill operations. Today it remains a connection between residents and this early period of settlement, embodying how the community was once linked to the river and the land.
The bridge is open to cars and pedestrians with no marked weight restrictions, making it easy to cross at your own pace. The roof provides shade and protection from weather, while the open sides offer clear views of the river and surrounding area as you walk or drive through.
The roof and open sides let in light and air to protect the wood from rot while framing clear views of the river below. The wooden planks creak softly underfoot, a tactile reminder of the craftsmanship and age of the structure that most visitors remember long after leaving.
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