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Stark, Coös County

If you find errors in the data please contact Bill Caswell.

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Inventory Number: NH/29-04-05
State of New Hampshire Number: 37
County: Coös County
Township: Stark
Town/Village:
Bridge Name: Stark
Crosses: Upper Ammonoosuc River
Truss type: Paddleford
Spans: 1+
Length: 138'
Roadway Width:
Built: 1862
Builder: Capt. Charles Richardson
When Lost: standing
Cause:
Latitude: N44 36.054
Longitude: W071 24.475
See a map of the area
Topographic map of the area
Directions: 6.8 miles east of jct US3 and Groveton on NH110, then just left on Northside Rd.

Stark Bridge, Stark, Coös County, NH Built 1862
Bill Caswell Photo, November 2007

Stark Bridge, Stark, Coös County, NH Built 1862
NH Department of Transportation Files

Stark Bridge, Stark, Coös County, NH Built 1862
Bill Caswell Photo (2003)

Stark Bridge, Stark, Coös County, NH Built 1862
Bill Caswell Photo, September 27, 2013

Stark Bridge, Stark, Coös County, NH Built 1862
Earll Richard Stone Photo

Comments:
18-panel truss. The bridge was originally a simple Paddleford truss with a center pier. In 1895, high water removed the center pier and the bridge was washed downstream. It was brought back by men and oxen and set on new stone piers. Arches were added to strengthen the span and the center pier was removed. The bridge failed again in the 1940s and in 1948 a new center pier was added. During the 1950s, the people of Stark voted to replace the bridge with a new steel bridge. The outcry from artists and covered bridge enthusiasts was so great that instead, with the aid of the state, the covered bridge was restored. In 1954 it was rehabilitated by removing the arch and adding steel underneath. The site is scenic and a popular location for photographers. The Stark Bridge was featured on the town of Stark's Bicentennial Medal in 1974. A new roof was installed in the summer/fall of 1982 at a cost of $18,750. The state repaired the underside of the bridge in 1983 at a cost of $35,500. The Stark Bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Sources:
Marshall, Richard G.. New Hampshire Covered Bridges : A Link With Our Past, 1994, page 71
Knoblock, Glenn A.. New Hampshire Covered Bridges, 2002, page 69
National Society for the Preservation of Covered Bridges. World Guide to Covered Bridges, 2021, page 47
Chandler, Kim Varney. Covered Bridges of New Hampshire, 2022, Pages 142-146

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