East Shoreham Covered Railroad Bridge
SE of Shoreham over Lemon Fair River, Shoreham, VTThe East Shoreham covered railroad bridge is unique in Vermont, being the only Howe truss bridge among three covered railroad bridges to survive in the state. Built in 1897 by the Rutland Railroad Company, the bridge carried trains over the Lemon Fair River until 1951 when the railroad abandoned the Addison Branch line and removed the track. Subsequently, the Vermont Department of Fish and Game purchased land along the river, including the bridge. In 1972 the Vermont Division of Historic Sites obtained possession of the bridge. The Division intends to preserve the bridge in situ. The bridge remains original in structure and materials, although lack of maintenance for several years has resulted in some deterioration.
The East Shoreham bridge represents the last generation of covered wood bridges built for railroads. Its Howe trusses use some iron components notably adjustable iron rods to hold the structure in tension which marks the transition to wholly iron bridges. Indeed the latter were already common by the time of the construction of the East Shoreham Bridge. Apparently, however, the light traffic of the Addison Branch did not justify the cost of an iron bridge.
Local significance of the structure:
The East Shoreham bridge represents the last generation of covered wood bridges built for railroads. Its Howe trusses use some iron components notably adjustable iron rods to hold the structure in tension which marks the transition to wholly iron bridges. Indeed the latter were already common by the time of the construction of the East Shoreham Bridge. Apparently, however, the light traffic of the Addison Branch did not justify the cost of an iron bridge.
Engineering; Transportation; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
Vermont was the first state to establish a state park: In 1900, Vermont established the first state park in the United States, known as the Mt. Tom State Park. The park is located in Woodstock, Vermont.
About Addison County
Addison County Timeline
Addison County, Vermont is situated in the western part of the state and has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The land was originally inhabited by various indigenous groups, including the Abenaki people, who relied on the region's fertile soil and abundant natural resources for sustenance.
European settlement in the area began in the mid-18th century, with the establishment of New Haven and Vergennes, two of the county's oldest towns. The region quickly attracted settlers due to its favorable farming conditions, proximity to Lake Champlain, and opportunities for trade. Agriculture soon became the backbone of the local economy, with farmers producing hay, corn, wheat, and dairy products.
During the American Revolution, Addison County played a significant role in the fight for independence. The Battle of Bennington, a pivotal engagement in the war, took place just south of the county's border in 1777. Many local residents patriotically served in the Continental Army, defending their homes and fighting for liberty.
In the 19th century, Addison County experienced steady growth and development. The construction of the Champlain Canal in the early 1800s brought increased commerce and trade, and the county's population expanded. Villages like Middlebury and Bristol emerged as important centers of education and industry, hosting prestigious colleges and bustling mills and factories.
Today, Addison County remains an agricultural hub, known for its picturesque landscapes, vibrant small towns, and strong sense of community. While the county has seen many changes over the years, its rich heritage and agricultural traditions continue to shape its identity.
European settlement in the area began in the mid-18th century, with the establishment of New Haven and Vergennes, two of the county's oldest towns. The region quickly attracted settlers due to its favorable farming conditions, proximity to Lake Champlain, and opportunities for trade. Agriculture soon became the backbone of the local economy, with farmers producing hay, corn, wheat, and dairy products.
During the American Revolution, Addison County played a significant role in the fight for independence. The Battle of Bennington, a pivotal engagement in the war, took place just south of the county's border in 1777. Many local residents patriotically served in the Continental Army, defending their homes and fighting for liberty.
In the 19th century, Addison County experienced steady growth and development. The construction of the Champlain Canal in the early 1800s brought increased commerce and trade, and the county's population expanded. Villages like Middlebury and Bristol emerged as important centers of education and industry, hosting prestigious colleges and bustling mills and factories.
Today, Addison County remains an agricultural hub, known for its picturesque landscapes, vibrant small towns, and strong sense of community. While the county has seen many changes over the years, its rich heritage and agricultural traditions continue to shape its identity.
Addison County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Addison County, Vermont.
- 1761 - Addison County is chartered and named after English writer Joseph Addison
- 1773 - The town of Middlebury is settled
- 1785 - Middlebury College is founded
- 1796 - The town of Vergennes becomes the first chartered city in Vermont
- 1800s - Agriculture, particularly dairy farming, becomes a major industry in the county
- 1825 - The Champlain Transportation Company is established to provide transportation on Lake Champlain
- 1834 - The Rutland and Burlington Railroad, the county's first railroad, is completed
- 1840 - The Vermont Central Railroad is built through the county, connecting it to the rest of the state
- 1851 - Middlebury Female Seminary, precursor to Middlebury College's women's program, is founded
- 1861-1865 - Many men from Addison County serve in the Civil War
- 1883 - The Pulp Mill Bridge in Middlebury is completed, becoming an iconic landmark in the county
- 1891 - The town of Bristol is connected to the rest of the county by a railroad
- 1914-1918 - Many residents of Addison County serve in World War I
- 1920s - The Great Depression affects the county's economy, leading to decreased farm prices and increased poverty
- 1930s - The federal government initiates various relief programs in the county during the Great Depression
- 1941-1945 - Many residents of Addison County serve in World War II
- 1950s-1960s - Interstate 89 is built through the eastern part of the county, improving transportation
- 2000s - The county experiences steady population growth, with more people moving to the area
- Present - Addison County is known for its beautiful landscapes, outdoor recreational opportunities, and vibrant arts scene