Baltimore Covered Bridge
Springfield, VT
WGN Number: 45-14-03
Photo by Joe Nelson © 1997
The bridge was originally located north of its present location. Along with its lost twin, the Gassetts Covered Bridge, it once crossed the Great Brook in North Springfield.
In 1967 the bridge was closed by the town. Covered bridge builder and restorer, Milton Graton, described the bridge as being "badly twisted and no longer safe to be used." (Graton, M. (1978) The Last of the Covered Bridge Builders. Plymouth, New Hampshire: Clifford-Nicol, Inc. pg. 109)
Ed Barna writes that "Graton Associates undertook an extensive restoration, and in 1970 moved the bridge 7 miles to its new site after removing its roof so it would clear other bridges en route. The stones for its new abutment were salvaged from the old crossing - a typical Graton touch.". The price for the work was $10,000, but the local committee raised the amount to $10,500!. (Barna, E. (1996) Covered Bridges of Vermont. Woodstock, Vermont: The Countryman Press. pg. 131)
The old Baltimore Bridge is a fitting monument to US Senator Ralf Flanders, who was instrumental in preserving both the bridge and the Eureka School House. The roof and mouldings over the portals are evidence of tender loving care.
Baltimore Covered Bridge Vital Statistics
| Town: | Springfield |
| Location: | Off Route 11 in Eureka Schoolhouse Park |
| Crossing: | Drainage ditch |
| Date: | 1870 |
| Builder: | Leland & Allen |
| Truss Type: | Town lattice |
| Truss Length: | 45 feet |
Additional Information:
Join Phill Gatenby as he takes us on a video tour of the Baltimore Bridge in Springfield. Phill provides interesting history and commentary for this bridge. Click on the YouTube image below to get started
You can also follow Phill on his Facebook group Vermont's 100 Covered Bridges
Credits: All pictures, information and descriptions are taken from Spanning Time Vermont's Covered Bridges by Joseph C. Nelson ©1997 and the World Guide to Covered Bridges - 2009 unless otherwise specified.
