The Skim Milk Bridge spans the Town River where what is now “old Maple Street” crosses the river.
It is north of the town line between Bridgewater and West Bridgewater. In early colonial times, old
Maple Street and Skim Milk Bridge were likely a major conduit for trade and transportation to the
Taunton Seaport. During this time, the Taunton Seaport was a launching point for products from
local farms sent all around the world. The Skim Milk Bridge is a “dry stone constructed bridge”. It
was built without mortar or concrete. It is not known exactly how or when the bridge was
constructed. It is possible that the largest stones were transported to the site by oxen pulled sleds
during the winter. The bridge received its name when fine white silt or clay particles in the river
bottom became suspended during the construction of the bridge, turning the water the color of
“skimmed milk”. Old Maple Street, along with Skim Milk Bridge, was discontinued as a public way
in 1875 by the Plymouth County Commission when a new roadway was constructed and bridge
(now Scotland Street) was constructed. Being within the “Bridgewater Triangle”, the rumors of it
being haunted may have some merit! You must go over thre bridge to find the cache.
This trail is part of the Bay Circuit Trail and the Nunckatesset Greenway. Compliments of Register
of Deeds John R. Buckley, Jr. and Joan Pierce, Land Agent Mass Department of Fish and Game
From the “Plymouth County Registry of Deeds Notable Land Records Collection”