Newport Stone Arch Bridge
Newport Stone Arch Bridge | |
Stone bridge Newport N. Y. from Robert N. Dennis collection of stereoscopic views | |
| Location | Bridge St. across W. Canada Cr., Newport, New York |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 43°11′6″N 75°1′4″W / 43.18500°N 75.01778°W |
| Area | 1.3 acres (0.53 ha) |
| Built | 1853 |
| Architect | Boyer, Leonard |
| Architectural style | Stone arch bridge |
| NRHP reference No. | 91002035[1] |
| Added to NRHP | February 10, 1992 |
Newport Stone Arch Bridge is a historic stone arch bridge located in the village of Newport, New York, in Herkimer County, New York. The bridge was constructed in 1853 and carries Bridge Street over West Canada Creek, a tributary of the Mohawk River.[2] It is one of the finest examples of 19th-century stone masonry bridges in the state.[3]
Description
The bridge is 238 feet (73 m) long and consists of four segmental arch spans, each with rises ranging from 16 to 22 feet (4.9 to 6.7 m). It was constructed using locally quarried limestone and exhibits excellent craftsmanship typical of the period.[2] Each arch is supported by massive stone piers with cutwater designs to reduce water pressure during high flow periods.[4]
History
The bridge was designed and built by Scottish stonemason Benjamin Wright and his crew, who were part of a larger movement of skilled artisans responsible for much of the infrastructure in upstate New York during the mid-19th century.[3] It replaced an earlier wooden bridge that had been vulnerable to frequent flooding and decay.[4] The bridge remained in regular use well into the 20th century and has undergone periodic maintenance to preserve its structural integrity.[5]
Significance
The bridge is considered significant for its architectural and engineering merit, as well as its contribution to the development of Newport and the surrounding region.[2] Its enduring design has allowed it to withstand over 170 years of use and environmental exposure, making it an outstanding representation of stone arch bridge construction in the northeastern United States.[4]
Preservation
In recognition of its historical and architectural importance, the Newport Stone Arch Bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on February 10, 1992.[6] Local preservation efforts continue to focus on routine inspections and masonry repairs to ensure its continued use and historical integrity.[7]
References
- ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. March 13, 2009.
- ^ a b c Mark Peckham (November 1991). "National Register of Historic Places Registration: Newport Stone Arch Bridge". New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Retrieved June 14, 2009.
- ^ a b Historic Bridges of New York State (PDF) (Report). New York State Department of Transportation. 1994. Retrieved May 5, 2024.
- ^ a b c "Historic American Engineering Record: Newport Stone Arch Bridge". Library of Congress. Retrieved May 5, 2024.
- ^ Donna Latham (2012). Bridges and Tunnels: Investigate Feats of Engineering. Nomad Press. p. 84.
- ^ "National Register of Historic Places: Newport Stone Arch Bridge". National Park Service. Retrieved May 5, 2024.
- ^ "Newport Bridge Preservation Society Report". Herkimer County Historical Society. Retrieved May 5, 2024.