Fairfax News => Tales Of Our Community => Topic started by: Henry on November 07, 2012, 10:42:53 AM
Title: The Bridges Down By Steeple Market & Boutin's
Post by: Henry on November 07, 2012, 10:42:53 AM
Had somebody ask me a question about the bridges that were built down by Steeple Market and Boutin's. I really know very little about it, so forwarded his e-mail on to Mike Cain, one of our most knowledgeable historians here in town. I thought some of you might be interested in what happened there:
Hi Stephen,
About the old toll bridge: Back in the day, the main highway in town came down Hunt Street and then onto my street, past my house, down the hill and across a bridge that was downstream from where it is currently located. The bridge was lower back then and would wash out during a spring highwater incident. The state would give money to rebuild, but after the second or third time, the state said no. Some investors in town got together(and I believe one of them was Hiram Bellows), and built a bridge. To recoup their expenditures, they charged a toll. This bridge lasted until 1833. When that washed out, they moved the bridge up stream so it connected with South Street. This is where it sits today. Actually there were three bridges- the original double covered bridge, which went out in the 27 flood, an iron bridge which was torn down in 86/87, and replaced with the current bridge.
Hope this helps!
Mike Cain
Title: Re: The Bridges Down By Steeple Market & Boutin's
Post by: Rev. Elizabeth on November 07, 2012, 12:49:17 PM
Thanks, Mike, fascinating as always. Are there any photos around of the double bridge?
Title: Re: The Bridges Down By Steeple Market & Boutin's
Post by: Henry on November 07, 2012, 01:05:48 PM