Sign Text for New Hampshire Landmark #150:
Built in 1866 at a cost of $9,000, this is the longest wooden bridge in the United States and the longest two-span covered bridge in the world. The fourth bridge at this site, the 460-foot structure was built by Bela J. Fletcher (1811-1877) or Claremont and James F. Tasker (1826-1903) of Cornish, using a lattice truss patented by architect, Ithiel Town, in 1820 and 1835. Built as a tollbridge by a private corporation, the span was purchased by the state of New Hampshire in 1936 and made toll-free in 1943.
More about the Cornish-Windsor Bridge:
In 1866, the town of Windsor, Vermont was dry (no booze allowed), so folks would pay 2 cents to cross to Cornish, which did not have such strict laws. Only, on their way back, they had to pay 3 cents! Because of the length of this covered bridge, it gave crossers just enough time to smooch, giving this bridge the nickname of the “kissin’ bridge!” Sadly for this bridge, its title of America’s longest was snatched away in 2008 by the Smolen-Gulf Bridge in Ashtabula County, Ohio!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Become a member of the Cornish Historical Society!
- Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
How Do I Get There?
Highway 12A and Bridge Street
Cornish, NH 03745
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit?
Whenever the mood strikes you!
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