Whether in daily use or simply there
to be explored, Vermont covered bridges are a unique feature of
the Vermont landscape. There are more covered bridges per square
mile in Vermont than any other place in the world, with 107 authentic
covered bridges located throughout the state that still remain
from the 600 that were built throughout the mid-1800s. Vermont’s
historic and beautiful covered bridges are some of the most popular
and romantic tourist attractions in Vermont.
Covered bridge builders used several different types of truss
frames in their construction. Even today you often see a sign at
a covered bridge entrance asking horsemen to have their horses
cross the bridge at a walk. The reason was not so much to avoid
accidents as to keep the bridge from bouncing up and down causing
even more damage than an overweight load might do. Covered bridges
were once considered to be great boxing rings, which is why Norwich
University moved from Norwich to Northfield, Vermont in an attempt
to stop the Ledyard Bridge boxing bouts between their students
and those of Dartmouth College.
The Covered Bridges of Rutland County,
Vermont Nine covered bridges are located in Rutland County, most of which
are working bridges:
The Sanderson Covered Bridge,
located in Brandon, Vermont, is
a 132 foot long town lattice that carries the Pearl Street extension
over the Otter Creek. Built in 1838, this bridge is no longer open
to traffic. A steel bridge directly next to the Sanderson Bridge
carries the traffic on Pearl Street.
The Kingsley Covered Bridge,
located in East Clarendon, is a 135
foot long town lattice truss. It carries Congdon Road over Mill
River. This bridge was built in 1836. A restored mill and waterfall
are located adjacent to the bridge, a short distance downstream.
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The Gorham or Goodnough Covered
Bridge, located in Proctor, Vermont, is a 114 foot long
town lattice truss that carries Gorham Bridge Road over the Otter
Creek. This bridge was built in 1842 and is located about 2 miles
south of the junction of US7 at Pittsford Mills.
 The Hammond Covered Bridge, built in 1843 in
Pittsford, is a 145 foot long town lattice truss. The bridge carries
Kendall Hill Road over the Otter Creek, but it is closed to vehicular
traffic.
The Depot Covered Bridge, located in Pittsford, is a 121 foot long town lattice
built in 1853. The bridge carries Depot Road over the Otter Creek.
The Cooley Bridge is a 53 foot long town lattice truss located in Pittsford,
Vermont. It carries Elm Street over the Furnace Brook. This bridge was built
in 1849 by famed covered bridge builder Nicholas Powers.
The Brown Covered Bridge is a 118 foot long
town lattice truss located in Clarendon. Built in 1880 by Nicholas
Powers, the famous covered bridge builder, it carries Upper Cold
River Road over the Cold River.
The Twin Covered Bridge located
in Rutland is not currently being used because it is on dry land.
Built in 1850, the bridge is a 63 foot long town lattice truss.
The Giorgetti Bridge is a 55 foot steel stringer
bridge located in Pittsfield. It carries a private drive over the
Tweed River. This bridge was built in 1976 by John Giorgetti and
is considered to be a romantic shelter.
Exploring the covered bridges of Rutland and looking for a comfortable nearby hotel? Visit the Red Roof Inn, centrally located on Route
7 in eclectic and historic Rutland, Vermont. You will enjoy enhanced
amenities and features, scenic grounds, and Vermont-style hospitality
just minutes from Killington Mountain, Vermont state parks, the
Appalachian Long Trail and nine of the state’s classic covered
bridges. The hotel offers
several exciting packages, including weekend ski adventures and romantic
getaway packages. |
