This Is Where You Can Find the Oldest Covered Bridge in Maine

Our Pine Tree State is filled with historic structures, including plenty of covered bridges. But where is the oldest covered bridge in Maine?

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Listen, we need bridges. Maine is an old state with so many rivers, lakes, and streams cutting through it. Without bridges, everyone would need a boat or have to be an Olympic-level swimmer, and let’s be real—that’s just not going to work!

With all that in mind, how do we determine which is the oldest covered bridge in Maine? Did we go around inspecting each one?

The Maine Department of Transportation’s website has a section ‘covering’ the oldest covered bridges in Maine. These bridges were usually built by local craftspeople who relied on their natural skills and instincts, similar to how Maine-built ships were crafted.

Alright, now that we’ve set the stage, let’s turn to the Maine Department of Transportation for the answer. What is the oldest covered bridge in Maine?

According to the Maine Department of Transportation and its section ‘Historic Covered Bridges,’ Babb's Bridge is the oldest covered bridge in Maine. It spans the Presumpscot River and connects Windham and Gorham.

Babb’s Bridge, Maine's oldest covered bridge, was originally built in 1840 and named after a local family.

As detailed by the Maine Department of Transportation, the bridge was meticulously reconstructed using historical techniques and reopened in 1976 after being destroyed by vandals in 1973. Over the years, it has faced challenges such as vandalism and damage, including roof holes in 2014 and snowplow damage in 2015, which required repairs before it reopened that spring.

There you have it! The historic Babb’s Bridge in southern Maine is the oldest covered bridge in our entire Pine Tree State.

What are your thoughts on Maine’s oldest covered bridge? Have you ever visited it? We’d love to hear from you! Feel free to join the conversation by messaging us on the app.