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Learn About Low's Bridge
Low's Bridge
Low's Bridge received its name from one of the early settlers, Robert Low.
The bridge was first built in 1830. It was rebuilt again in 1843 and 1857, when a freshet carried it away.
A total cost of $750.00 was spent to rebuild the bridge. $500.00 to Isaac Wharff for abutments and $250.00 to Leonard Knowlton for lumber and labor.
During the flood of April 1, 1987,
(130 years later) the bridge was completely destroyed thus losing our bridge which was a National Historic Site.
From The National Register of Historical Places
Low's Bridge
(added 1987 - Structure - #70000062)
Over Piscataquis River between Guilford and Sangerville, Sangerville
Historic Significance: Event, Architecture/Engineering
Architectural Style: Other
Area of Significance: Engineering, Transportation
Period of Significance: 1850-1874
Owner: Local Gov't , State
Historic Function: Transportation
Historic Sub-function: Road-Related
Current Function: Transportation
Current Sub-function: Road-Related
http://www.nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com/ME/Piscataquis/state.html
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The bridge was rebuilt once again and reopened on August 23, 1990. This time for a cost of $640,000.00.
Last Moments of
Low's Covered Bridge
12 Picture Sequence of Low's Covered Bridge
Being washed away on April 1, 1987
COPYRIGHT 1987 DWINAL D HALL
PHOTO #1:
6:40 AM, April 1, 1987 showing Low's Covered
Bridge and National Historic Landmark dedication plaque ( right ).
Piscataquis River is rising at approximately 2 feet per hour.
PHOTO #2:
7:00 AM The water has reached the bottom of the
bridge and is tearing at the vertical boards and batting.
PHOTO #3:
7:15 AM The still rising water is exerting
tremendous pressure on the bridge causing it to bend in the middle.
PHOTO #4:
7:30 AM Water and debris spilling inside the
bridge. Note the buckling of the boards and timbers.
PHOTO #5:
7:40 AM The bridge has broken in the middle,
tilted and slid off its granite piers about four feet. You can see the falling timbers inside the bridge. ( Note: The elapsed time from photo #5 to photo #11 is less than 14 seconds. )
PHOTO #6:
The bridge has broken in half. In the background
you can see the other half of the bridge has rolled over on its side.
PHOTO #7:
The bridge is completely off its piers, the roof
has collapsed and the two sections head down the river.
PHOTO #8:
The rampaging river tears at the two sections.
The further section is upside down and is split open like a book.
PHOTO #9:
The further section is racing down the river while
the nearest section remains upright as if vainly trying to fight the currents.
PHOTO # 10:
The further side is still visible through the fog,
the near side gallantly remains upright.
PHOTO # 11:
The last look at Low's Covered Bridge. The
near side is finally breaking apart, her might timbers yielding to the forces of nature, which she withstood for 130 years.
PHOTO #12:
The National Historic Landmark dedication
plaque and road limit sign stand in silent tribute to that beautiful old covered bridge that spanned not only the Piscataquis River, but also 130 years of our lives. She will live in our hearts forever.
Stop In To View The Set
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Sincerely,
Your Hosts
The Sylvia Family |
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