The Contoocook Railroad Bridge In New Hampshire Is The Oldest Example Of A Train Bridge In America

If there’s anything our readers should know it’s that we love a good covered bridge! From the longest to the oldest to all the ones that sit somewhere in between, there’s something about the quaint covered bridges that dot the landscape in New Hampshire that makes us even more grateful to be here. But this one comes with an even more special history.

The Contoocook Railroad Bridge spans the Contoocook River in the town of (you guessed it!) Contoocook. It’s the oldest standing example of a covered bridge with railroad tracks in America.

Bruno Jablonowski / Google

Built in 1889, it was originally called the Hopkinton Railroad Covered Bridge after the town of Hokpinton, which is where Contoocook is located.

By Unknown - Contoocook Riverway Association Museum Archives, Public Domain,

The fact that it’s still standing is no small feat. It made it through 1936 flood, then a hurricane in 1938. It had to be moved from its foundations twice. Another time a flooding river threatened to wash it away completely, but it was saved by the strength of the rail tracks that run through it.

Andri Kyrychok / Google

It wasn’t until 1962 that the bridge stopped serving as a railroad track. It then became a warehouse before it became public property in 1990.

Daniel Calder / Google

Through the hard work of people who felt this bridge was worth sharing with the public, it was preserved and made a part of the historic railroad depot near it.

toby mushrush / Google

It’s a beautiful sight to see, especially when the leaves are changing.

Tylers Contacts / Google

If you head just down the road to the historic depot, you can learn even more about the history of trains in the area.

Kevin Hallenbeck / Google

Norm Blais / Google

There’s even a 1907 passenger coach to explore.

toby mushrush / Google A day trip to Contoocook is a no-brainer for those who love the state’s covered bridges. But it’s also wonderful for those who appreciate transportation history in America.

The majority of New Hampshire’s covered bridges can be found in one county. To see them all, take this fun road trip!