Campbell Falls Bridge
The Historical Society will spearhead restoration of the Campbell Falls Bridge. Our goal is to raise $200,000 through a capital campaign. These funds will cover the cost of obtaining all necessary permits, including, due to proximity to the Whiting River, one from the Department of Environmental Protection; strengthening the Bridge’s foundation; and replacing stones and missing mortar. The Historical Society will also work with the Highway Department to approve contractors, who will be selected, as required by law, through competitive bidding.
Saving an Historic Treasure
Rich in history, New Marlborough has abundant treasures from its past. High among them: the Campbell Falls Bridge, a beautiful example of keystone arch construction. The bridge, which spans the Whiting River above Campbell Falls, is a monument of our historic past. Amazingly, it is still in active use.
Since its founding, the New Marlborough Historical Society, a 100 percent volunteer non-profit organization, has dedicated itself to the protection of our town’s historic structures. The Society has made many contributions that educate and enhance our beautiful town. In recent years,
it has published a hardcover Pictorial History of New Marlborough, presented First Friday programs from May through September, begun restoration of our cemeteries, contributed to an inventory of our town’s historically significant houses, and preserved for safekeeping significant town records.
Today, our goal is to restore the aging Campbell Falls Bridge, so that for generations to come it will continue to serve us and remind us of the richness of our historic past.
THE CAMPBELL FALLS STONE-ARCH BRIDGE
Our Challenge
Built some two hundred years ago between 1820 and 1830, the Campbell Falls Bridge was constructed entirely of stone with a keystone that is the centerpiece of its structural integrity. It is one of the most pristine examples of stone-arch bridges in the nation. Horse-drawn wagons, carriages, and Model T Fords crossed the span at a gentle pace, but they eventually gave way to cars and trucks. So far, the bridge has withstood the increased traffic, but at a cost. Mortar and stone have been loosened by the weight and vibration of modern vehicles, imperiling the structural integrity of the arch. Add to this the erosion of the anchors on the west end of the bridge, caused by long-term improper drainage.
Although the bridge passed a Massachusetts Department of Transportation inspection in 2017, a specialist in stone arch bridges engaged by the Society in 2019 found several areas requiring urgent repair and restoration.
We have a choice: We can ignore the worsening condition of the bridge, which inevitably will lead to its closing – potentially for years – or permanently. The state would only replace, not repair the bridge. However, we can join together to raise the funds to repair and restore the bridge – at a fraction of the cost of replacement. The preservation of this bridge is not only of vital historical importance but also critical to the residents of Campbell Falls Road and all other vehicles that use Campbell Falls Road.
Over the decades, mortar securing the stones of the Campbell Falls Bridge has significantly eroded.
Our Action
The Town of New Marlborough owns the Campbell Falls Bridge. However, repair of it by the Town could take years which would lead to further deterioration and greater expense for restoration. After sharing the latest findings with the Town, the Historical Society and the Town have begun a collaboration that will result in restoration of the bridge. There is historic precedent for such public/private collaboration; the Shelbourne Falls and Glendale Falls restorations, for example, were privately funded.
The Historical Society will spearhead this restoration project. Our goal is to raise $200,000 through a capital campaign. These funds will cover the cost of obtaining all necessary permits, including, due to proximity to the Whiting River, one from the Department of Environmental Protection; strengthening of the Bridge’s foundation; and replacing stones and missing mortar. The Historical Society will also work with the Highway Department to approve contractors, who will be selected, as required by law, through competitive bidding.
Please Give Generously
In undertaking this campaign to prevent the loss of the Campbell Falls Bridge, the Historical Society and the Town have both established dedicated accounts. All proceeds of this campaign will go solely to the repair of the bridge. Contributions are deductible to the full extent of the law. Please visit our campaign page to make your donation.
The Historical Society and the Town thank you — as will generations of future residents of New Marlborough.