Tragic! Fire Destroys Historic Maine Covered Bridge

Yesterday was a particularly sad day for those who love Maine history.  One of Maine's historic covered bridges was destroyed by fire.

The bridge, known as the Watson Settlement Bridge, crossed the Meduxnekeag Stream.  According to the Maine Tourism website, it is (was?) the youngest of Maine's 9 covered bridges.  It was also the farthest north.

According to WAGM, a group of young men who were walking past smelled smoke.  They alerted the authorities.  The investigation into what caused the fire continues.  But, as there was no nasty weather in the area, and there is no electricity running through the bridge, it appears that someone could have purposely ignited the blaze.

The loss of this bridge is particularly sad for me because, as a child, we used to drive across the bridge to get to my aunt and uncle's farm in Littleton.  Throughout the majority of the 1980s, anytime we made the trip to see my family at the farm, we crossed that bridge.  As my father and my uncle did business together, we were there all the time.  When I was a little older, the new bridge was built and traffic was detoured away from the covered bridge.  However, we'd still frequently pull off to the side of the road to visit the old bridge.

I regret not taking my kids to see it.  Too late now.  More proof that you don't know what you've got till it's gone.

If you want to see a Maine covered bridge, there are bridges in Fryeburg, Gorham, Newry, Corinth, and Guilford.  Check out the entire list of covered bridges HERE.

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