History of the Middle Bridge

One of the best views of the Middle Bridge is from the backyard of the Woodstock History Center.

Between 1803 and present day, at least 9 bridges have spanned the Ottauquechee River at the Middle Bridge location, including a covered bridge, which lasted from 1850 to 1869. The early bridges at this site were built of wood, and most lasted only a short time before being washed away by floods or collapsing on their own accord. Consequently, in 1877, an “elegant and substantial” modern iron bridge was built. It was patterned after the girder truss bridges developed for railroads. This iron bridge lasted for almost 100 years until it was condemned and replaced in 1969 with the current covered bridge.

The current covered bridge was built by noted bridge-builder Milton Graton using traditional techniques and peg-framed construction. There is no functional metal in the trusses of this Middle Bridge. Instead, the lattice members are held in place with some 1,400 trennels, turned from 23 white oak trees from New Hampshire. On May 11, 1974, the night of the Woodstock Fireman’s Ball, the five-year-old Middle Bridge was set afire. Fortunately, many of the timbers survived the flames, and the bridge was later refurbished.

Current Middle Bridge Erected in 1969

Early 19th-Century View of the Back Side of North Park Street and Mount Peg from the Vantage Point of River Street

Notice, the footbridge in the foreground of this print. The bridge at this site washed out in 1811 and wasn't replaced until around 1839. Consequently, for nearly 30 years, people relied on footbridges, such as this one, to travel between the Green and River Street.

Detail from an 1859 Print

Between 1850 and 1869, the covered bridge shown in this print spanned the Ottauquechee River at the site of the current Middle Bridge. On October 4, 1869, this bridge was badly damaged by a flood. Since the bridge was deemed unsafe, its sides and roof were removed and much of the abutment and bridge were rebuilt. The bridge re-opened in 1870.

Iron Middle Bridge

In 1877, an iron bridge replaced the covered wooden bridge that had previously been on the site. This iron bridge lasted until the 1960s, when it was replaced by the current Middle Bridge.

Early 20th-Century View of the Iron Middle Bridge

It's not clear what the special occasion was, but this photograph documents a large group of people gathered on the iron bridge. Likely they would not have dared put so much weight on any of the previous wooden bridges.

The Current Covered Middle Bridge being Built

In the 1960s, when it was determined that the iron Middle Bridge was no longer safe, the decision was made to replace it with a covered bridge. Milton Graton, a noted bridge builder, was hired to do the job. He created the new Middle Bridge following traditional construction methods, including building the bridge on dry land.

Putting the Middle Bridge in Place

After the current Middle Bridge was completed on land, it was drawn across the Ottauquechee River on cribbing.

Can Two Oxen Really Pull a Full-Size Bridge? Yes!

Olin Maxham's team of oxen provided the power to drag the current Middle Bridge across the river. They walked around a capstan, and with every rotation, the bridge was pulled 3 1/2 inches closer to its final destination. Many buildings in Woodstock over the years were moved using a similar technique.

The Middle Bridge on Fire in 1974

In 1974, the current Middle Bridge was partially burned as a result of arson.

The Middle Bridge after the Fire

It took three years and nearly $55,000 to complete the necessary repairs to the bridge after the fire.

History of the Middle Bridge

One of the best views of the Middle Bridge is from the backyard of the Woodstock History Center.

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