If you’re driving down Hurricane Road, somewhere between Windham and Gorham, Maine, you’ll hit a wall of weathered wood that feels like it’s been there forever. It’s Babb's Covered Bridge. It looks ancient. It smells like old timber and river air. Honestly, if you didn't know better, you’d swear it was the same structure that local farmers used to cross the Presumpscot River back when Abraham Lincoln was still practicing law.
But it isn't. Not exactly.
Most people think "historic" means "original." In the case of this specific Maine landmark, that’s a bit of a misconception. The bridge standing there today is a survivor, but it’s also a phoenix. It’s been burned, hacked apart by vandals, and literally crushed by a truck that had no business being on it. Yet, here it is.
The Fire That Changed Everything
Wait, why isn’t it original?
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The "real" Babb’s Covered Bridge was built way back in 1840. Some historians argue it might have been 1843 or even 1864, but let’s go with the earliest record. It was the oldest covered bridge in Maine. For over 130 years, it just sat there, doing its job. Then came May 6, 1973.
Some vandals decided to torch it. Arson. In one night, a century of history turned into ash and floated down the Presumpscot. It was a gut-punch to the community. You’ve gotta realize, back then, people didn't always value old wooden structures the way we do now—modern steel and concrete were the "future." But the people of Windham and Gorham weren't having it. They fought the state to get a replica built instead of some ugly, sterile concrete slab.
Rebuilding a Ghost
They actually did it. They rebuilt it using local lumber milled right in Gorham. They used authentic 19th-century techniques. No shortcuts. On July 4, 1976—right in time for the Bicentennial—the "new" Babb's Covered Bridge opened.
Because it’s a replica, the National Register of Historic Places actually delisted it in 2023. Kinda harsh, right? It doesn’t change the fact that it’s the heart of the area, but officially, it lost that "historic" label because the wood isn't from 1840.
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That Time a Dump Truck Fell Through the Floor
You might have seen the headlines in late 2024. If you didn't, it was a mess.
Basically, a dump truck carrying crushed gravel tried to cross. The bridge has a very clear 3-ton weight limit (6,000 pounds). The truck? It weighed about 36,000 pounds. You do the math.
The floorboards didn't stand a chance. The truck crashed right through the deck and ended up in the river. It was a miracle the driver only had minor injuries. For months, the bridge was a skeleton. People were worried it might be the end this time.
Fortunately, the Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT) moved fast. They spent about $110,000 on repairs, sourcing specific lumber to match the original species. They even replaced the ornamental doors.
Important Note: As of February 2025, the bridge is fully reopened to traffic. Gary Plummer, a former State Rep and long-time bridge advocate, was actually the first person to drive across the newly repaired deck.
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What Makes the Architecture Special?
Architecturally, it’s a Queenpost truss bridge.
Most of Maine’s other covered bridges use the Paddleford truss, but Babb’s is the only one in the state that uses this specific Queenpost design. It’s only 79 feet long. It’s small, intimate, and feels like a tunnel.
Why Is It Covered Anyway?
It’s not for the horses. Or the people. It’s for the wood.
If you leave a wooden bridge deck exposed to Maine winters, it’ll rot in 10 years. Cover it with a roof and siding, and it’ll last 100. It’s purely about protecting the structural trusses from the elements. Simple, but effective.
Dealing With "The Jumpers" and Graffiti
If you visit in the summer, you’ll see kids swimming nearby. It’s a great spot. But there’s a history of people cutting holes in the roof and walls to use the bridge as a diving platform.
- 2014: Significant roof damage from people cutting holes to jump into the river.
- 2016: A $160,000 makeover to fix rot caused by those holes.
- Ongoing: A "Keeping It Clean" campaign by local volunteers to paint over graffiti immediately.
It’s a constant battle between those who love the history and those who just see a playground. Honestly, if we want this bridge to last another 50 years, we’ve gotta treat it like the antique it’s trying to be.
Tips for Visiting Babb's Covered Bridge
If you’re planning a trip, keep a few things in mind:
- Watch the Height: The clearance is only 10 feet. If you’re in a high-roof van or a camper, don't even try it.
- One Car at a Time: It’s narrow. If you see someone coming from the Gorham side, wait your turn on the Windham side.
- The Swimming Hole: There’s a small area to park near the bridge where people swim. Just be respectful of the private property nearby.
- Photography: Golden hour is best. The way the light hits the vertical board siding is incredible.
What to Do Next
If you’re in the area, don't just drive through it. Park the car. Walk through the bridge and look at the Queenpost trusses. You can see the craftsmanship up close.
After you’ve seen the bridge, head into Windham for a bite to eat or check out the Windham Historical Society to see old photos of the original 1840 structure before the fire. Supporting these local groups is what keeps landmarks like this standing when the next "accident" happens.
Check the weight limits before you drive anything larger than a standard SUV or pickup truck. Let's not have a repeat of the 2024 collapse.
Key Takeaways for Your Visit
- Location: Spans the Presumpscot River on Hurricane Road/Covered Bridge Road.
- Current Status: Fully repaired and open as of early 2025.
- Weight Limit: Strictly 3 tons (6,000 lbs).
- Nearby Towns: Windham and Gorham, Maine.
Next time you’re looking for a scenic drive in Cumberland County, make this a stop. It’s a piece of Maine’s soul that refuses to stay down.