With a history as fascinating as New York State’s, there are all sorts of exciting ways to dive into the past around here! Previously here at Only In New York, we created a Covered Bridge Road Trip that took our readers to five of our state’s most charming covered bridges. If you’ve already taken on that road trip and are ready to explore other noteworthy structures, then let us introduce you to the longest covered bridge in the Empire State.
A historic gem hiding in plain sight out in Schoharie County, the Blenheim Covered Bridge has long been considered to be the world’s largest single-span wooden covered bridge.
National Society for the Preservation of Covered Bridges/Facebook
First built back in 1855, sadly the original structure was destroyed in 2011 during Tropical Storm Irene - where the area saw record-breaking flooding that would end up carrying pieces of the bridge more than 30-miles down the creek.
Wendy Cooley/Google
While it cost roughly $6,000 dollars to originally build the bridge, it would end up taking several years and nearly $7-million dollars to complete the Blenheim Covered Bridge that you see before you today.
National Society for the Preservation of Covered Bridges/Facebook
Just as stunning as the original bridge, the only main difference between the two is that the new Blenheim Covered Bridge now stands 15-feet higher than its predecessor - an action that was taken to help prevent this structure from ever suffering the same flood-induced fate.
Wendy Cooley/Google
New Yorkers who happen to know a thing or two about New York’s longest covered bridge will be able to tell you that for 77 years, the bridge was open to vehicle use.
fire surfer/Google
During the early 1930s though, the decision was made to keep the Blenheim Covered Bridge standing for pedestrian use only.
Kathy Jo Gallo/Google
Making for one scenic walk, the Blenheim Covered Bridge spans 210-feet across the Schoharie Creek.
Lori Walter/Google
As far as the structures other measurements go, the unique covered bridge stands at 30-feet tall and 26-feet wide.
Wendy Cooley/Google
If you’ve been anxiously awaiting the reconstruction of the Blenheim Covered Bridge, then now’s the time to head on out to Schoharie County to see what the new bridge is like!
Lori Walter/Google
Now that you’ve read up on the Empire State’s longest covered bridge, you’ll surely want to read about the 8 Undeniable Reasons To Visit The Oldest Covered Bridge In New York!
National Society for the Preservation of Covered Bridges/Facebook
Wendy Cooley/Google
fire surfer/Google
Kathy Jo Gallo/Google
Lori Walter/Google
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: North Blenheim, NY 12131, USAAddress: 42.471544, -74.440757
