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Neil R. Underwood Jr. Memorial Bridge
Photo courtesy of
SeacoastNH Early Images.
It looks like an ordinary bridge today, but from 1900 to 1949 it was
known as the longest wooden bridge in the world. Known as the Mile Long
Bridge, the original Hampton River Bridge was just 540 short of its
nickname. Thirty feet wide, the wooden bridge was supported by 3,865
piles and was called the most exciting site in the Hampton Beach area.
2,000 visitors attended the opening ceremonies in 1902. But the shifting
sands and encroaching automobiles took their toll. The bridge needed
constant maintenance was constant prey to fire from sparks and discarded
cigarettes. The structure was replaced in 1949 by a steel bridge named
in honor of a Hampton Beach native who lost his life in WW2.
HOURS: 24-7
ADDRESS: Hampton, NH 03802
DIRECTIONS: On Route 1 over the Hampton Bridge near Hampton Beach
LINKS:
Bridge History,
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