The Swinging Bridge

This beautiful piece of architecture was built in 1889 by the Berlin Iron Bridge Company based out of Connecticut. The original footbridge built in 1850 was washed away by high waters in 1869.

The bridge bounces but doesn't really swing so, why is it called "The Swinging Bridge"?

It got the name due to the original bridge. It was said to swing heavily under the foot traffic caused by the mill workers going to and from work. Even after the new bridge was built they kept the name.

A product of its time, it bears the traits of the Victorian Era including a cross beam with elaborate finials that span between the nearly three story high support towers on each side of the bridge. Those towers have cables which suspend the 200 foot wood-plank walkway over the Souhegan.

People have even begun to put love locks on the chain link fencing attached to the bridge. I've always wanted to do this but never remember to bring a lock. For those of you that don't know the meaning of "love locks" or locks on bridges like this I'll add it below for you.

"A love lock or love padlock is a padlock that sweethearts lock to a bridge, fence, gate, monument, or similar public fixture to symbolize their love. Typically the sweethearts' names or initials, and perhaps the date, are inscribed on the padlock, and its key is thrown away to symbolize unbreakable love."

Something to keep in mind when planning your visit, there isn't really a designated parking area here so plan ahead. I ended up pulling right up to the bridge and had to park at the end of someone's driveway. This in turn caused me to make my visit short.

I hope you enjoyed learning about a hidden piece of history, make sure to subscribe and follow along because there's more where that came from.