Carleton Bridge, Covered bridge in East Swanzey, United States
Carleton Bridge is a wooden covered bridge spanning the South Branch Ashuelot River in New Hampshire. The structure measures about 67 feet long, features vertical board siding, and has a gabled roof that shields the crossing from weather.
The bridge was built in 1869 using a rare construction method called Queenspost truss design. It remains the last example of this building approach in the region and has endured largely unchanged for more than a century.
The bridge reflects how rural communities of the 1800s solved the practical problem of crossing rivers with local materials and skills. It shows the craftsmanship of carpenters who built sturdy structures without modern equipment.
The bridge is open to both pedestrians and light vehicles, though visitors should check for any current restrictions before crossing. The site sits in a river valley with rural roads around it, so it is worth taking time to approach carefully and enjoy the surroundings.
In the late 1990s, the entire structure was taken apart and rebuilt to replace rotted wood components. This extensive reconstruction effort saved one of the region's rarest bridge designs from disappearing.
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