Cooley Covered Bridge, covered bridge in Pittsford, Vermont
The Cooley Covered Bridge is a wooden structure with a roof and enclosed sides that spans a small river in Pittsford, Vermont. Built in 1849 using a Town lattice truss design, the bridge measures about 50 feet (15 meters) long and 18 feet (5.5 meters) wide, with an overhanging roof that extends approximately 16 feet (5 meters) past the sides to shelter the wooden framework from weather.
The bridge was constructed in 1849 by Nicholas M. Powers, a local builder whose innovative methods became influential in regional covered bridge design. His craftsmanship shaped the character of crossings throughout the area, and his legacy endures through structures like this one that remain standing after more than a century and a half.
The bridge has served as a local connector for generations, linking parts of Pittsford through shared stories passed down by families. It remains a place where visitors can feel the continuity of community life across time.
The bridge accommodates both pedestrians and vehicles and offers a quiet crossing over the water with minimal traffic. Walk or drive at a leisurely pace to appreciate the wooden structure, and be mindful of the narrow interior space and low clearance typical of covered bridges.
The bridge's slate roof extends about 16 feet past its sides, a particularly generous overhang that shields the wooden frame exceptionally well from the elements. This design feature is rarely seen on older covered bridges and demonstrates Powers' innovative approach to maximizing structural durability and longevity.
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