Sawyers Crossing Covered Bridge, Swanzey New Hampshire
Sawyers Crossing Covered Bridge (also known as Cresson Bridge) very well illustrates this country's first truly native bridge design, the Town Truss, characterized by a web of light planks crisscrossed at an angle of 45 degrees to 60 degrees, like a lattice, and fastened together with wooden pins or trunnels at each intersection. This bridge is located in a picturesque part of the town of Swanzey, NH, and is among the region's most popular photographic and artistic subjects. It received national acclaim in 1953 as Arthur Godfrey's romantic "kissing bridge," a publicity tie-in with the Christmas carton of Chesterfield cigarettes of that year.
The Sawyers Crossing Covered Bridge remains an important part of the transportation system of the town of Swanzey. Located on the state secondary system, its use is mainly by residents of this part of the town as it is not far from the Keene line where many Swanzey citizens are employed. Little commercial traffic passes this way, but suburban and commuter use is substantial over the Sawyers Crossing Bridge which remains an active and valued part of the Swanzey road system.
Bridge Description
Spanning the Ashuelot River in the Sand Bank section of Swanzey near the site of an ancient Indian village, this double-span bridge with a center pier was rebuilt in 1859 on the site of an earlier bridge erected in 1771, for $1,735.94. It is named for its location and also Thomas Cresson, an early Swanzey pioneer.
This bridge of pleasing proportions with fully sheathed walls and arched portals painted red and white. It is 159 feet long and 17 feet wide. Although its sheathing is worn and parts are missing, the structure is a good example of the popular Ithiel Town Truss construction designed and patented by the New Haven architect in 1820. The abutments and center pier are of split granite; tie rods aid in its support, a tin roof, and bolts are evidence of continued maintenance; additional work, including new flooring, was undertaken in June of 1974.
The Sawyers Crossing Covered Bridge retains much of its original appearance and has been quite well maintained; tradition tells us that upon completion of the structure in 1859 the event was celebrated by an all-night dance held in the bridge.
The National Society for the Preservation of Covered Bridges World Guide to Covered Bridges number 29-03-05. NH Department of Public Works and Highways number 136/143.
Portal (1974)
