Covered Bridges on Two Wheels
A photographic journey to Vermont's Covered Bridges
Baltimore Bridge
 September 2015 |  September 2015 |
|---|---|
 September 2015 |  September 2015 |
This relocated bridge was named for the hamlet it once served. Built in 1870, it was located over the Great Brook in North Springfield. By 1967 it had deteriorated to such a state that it was closed down.
In 1968, a local citizen group rallied to save the state's oldest surviving schoolhouse. With great assistance from then-Senator Ralph Flanders, the Eureka Schoolhouse was relocated and restored to a prominent location along Route 11.
The next year, Senator Flanders put plans into motion to save the Baltimore Bridge.
Current Status: Open
Location: Springfield, off Charlestown Road (Route 11)
Crosses: drainage ditch
GPS: 43.270155N, 72.448182W
Built: 1870 Length: 45 feet
Truss Design: Town lattice
WGN*: VT-14-03 NRHP**: not eligible
* WGN: World Guide to Covered Bridges Number
**NRHP: Listed on National Register of Historic Places
The moving of the bridge, and its restoration, was conducted by Milton Graton of New Hampshire. Stones from the original abutments we reused to create the abutments at the bridge's new site - alongside the Eureka Schoolhouse. In 1970 the bridge was dedicated to the the late senator, who sadly did not survive to see the completion of the project.
Visiting the bridge:
The Baltimore Bridge is one of the most accessible bridges in the state, although its current location is not especially awe-inspiring.
It is located off well-traveled four-lane Route 11. Along with the Eureka Schoolhouse, the bridge is at a dedicated state historic site with an official parking area and tourist information.
It is an easy walk over to the bridge which you can freely explore inside and out, and underneath, without traffic concerns.