Stark Bridge
No. 37
Built around 1862, the Stark Covered Bridge spans the Upper Ammonoosuc River beside the historic Stark Union Church and Devil’s Slide. The builder is unknown, although Captain Charles P. Richardson has been credited with its construction. Originally a two-span Paddleford truss, the bridge was swept downstream by a freshet in 1895 and rebuilt as a single-span structure with interior arches.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, the bridge underwent major rehabilitation in 2014-2015, including extensive timber repairs, reconstruction of the abutment wing walls, new siding and roofing, and installation of fire protection. It reopened in June 2015.
Stark Bridge Photo Album
Paddleford Truss Podcast
The Paddleford Truss with Bob Durfee
Kim interviews engineer Bob Durfee of DuBois & King about bridgewright Peter Paddleford and his unique truss design. Learn why even though it was never patented, the Paddleford truss dominated covered bridge construction in northern New England for many years. Today there are only 22 Paddleford covered bridges left in New England.
Bridgewrights Paddleford Article
