West Swanzey Bridge
No. 5
Built in 1832 for $523.27, the West Swanzey Covered Bridge, also known as the Thompson Bridge, carries Main Street across the Ashuelot River in West Swanzey. Constructed by local master craftsman Zadoc L. Taft , the two-span Town lattice truss replaced an earlier bridge built at the site in 1774. Originally equipped with sidewalks on both sides, the bridge now has one remaining pedestrian walkway.
In 1973, the bridge was restricted to six tons, requiring school buses to unload their passengers before crossing. A new concrete and steel bridge was built nearby in 1976 to carry heavier traffic, and the covered bridge was closed to vehicles in 1990. A major reconstruction followed in 1993. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1980, the West Swanzey Covered Bridge is maintained by the Town of Swanzey.
West Swanzey/Thompson Bridge Video
West Swanzey/Thompson Bridge Podcast Episode
The Prodigal Son Denman Thompson with Lee Dunham
Kim talks with lifelong Swanzey resident Lee Dunham about the namesake of the Thompson covered bridge. Lee walks us through the exciting life of actor and playwright Denman Thompson and his production, The Old Homestead; and how integral the play has been to the town of Swanzey for over a hundred years.
Zadoc Taft Article
West Swanzey/Thompson Bridge Photo Album
