The Contoocook Railroad Covered Bridge is No. 10 on the list of NH covered bridges. Built in 1889 it is said to be the world's oldest surviving covered railroad bridge. The previous structure was built in 1850 when the Concord and Claremont Railroad laid its first 33 miles of track from Concord to Bradford, N.H. This bridge like many of that era was washed away in a storm. The current bridge again washed off its abutments in 1936 when the Contoocook River flooded and again in 1938 from a hurricane. The bridge was kept from washing downstream because the rails were bolted together at each joint. Because of the heavy weight of the railroad engine and cars, the bridge was designed with three layers of latice timbers, which held it together even during these storms. After the flood water receded, the bridge was drawn back to its location and restored. From 1962 until 1990 a Contoocook merchant owned and used it as a warehouse. In 1990 the bridge was given to the New Hampshire Division of Historic Resources under RSA 234:31. The Railroad Bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The cache is very small but should be easy to find. It is normally wheelchair accessible. However after periods of significant winter snowfall this probably won't be the case. The cache is NOT located on the bridge itself. PLEASE just log in with your initials to save space, and note them on your computer entry. Thanks.
Congratulations FTF: 1trekmetster and HawkeyeNH; Second to find: carl spackler LCC.