a lesson in civil independence
This is an image of a stone arch bridge, built in 1844 by 5 men. The project took only three weeks to complete. The bridge is designed with no concrete or steel, no dowels, no framework to support the arch except . . . gravity and weight distribution. The project cost came in under US $2,000.00 the bridge is wide enough to support two-way vehicular traffic, and it was in service from 1844 - 1930, never needing maintenance.
The only reason the bridge was taken out of service in 1930, is because it happens to reside within land which the state took for a reservoir. And it remains as intact today as it was upon its completion in 1844, nearly 170 years earlier.
Today, the town would issue 15-million dollars in bonds to finance the project, the bridge would take 5 years to complete, during which time traffic would be snarled constantly, and 2-3 years after completion, the bridge would require 10-million dollars worth of repairs which would take another 5 years to complete.
The moral of the story . . . never ask a politician (of any flavor) to do anything which a small group of strong, healthy men are willing to do for a few extra bucks.
now some close ups of the incredible, gravity-defying acts of the individual stones.
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Portable Graffiti Graphics Judy on -
Loved the story and the photos are awesome. Where is this bridge?
Judy
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Permalink Reply by LMRPhotography (Lynne) on -
What a great story about a wonderful and beautiful bridge.
Thank you David for posting this.
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Permalink Reply by MOMeveryday (Susan) on -
Beautiful bridge! Great story!
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Permalink Reply by MillicentRaven ( Dawn ) on -
Awesome story and beautiful pictures!
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Permalink Reply by MillicentRaven ( Dawn ) on
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You're welcome David. And a very Merry Christmas to you as well.
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Permalink Reply by Debbie StGeorge on -
Cool story, David and great pics. So, by the time I make it there for a day trip next Spring, I should know the complete history of the Res. And yes, David, I am much too whimpy to trek out there in winter no matter how many beautiful pics you post ;)
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Permalink Reply by Debbie StGeorge on
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I live in MA, Dave, probably not more than an hour away from the Res. Just havent made it out there yet!!!
-Debbie
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