Perrine - 1844
The Perrine's Covered Bridge is the second oldest covered bridge in the State of New York, after the Hyde Hall Bridge in East Springfield, once located in the hamlet called Perrine's Bridge between 1850 and 1861.
It is located in the modern-day town of Esopus-Rosendale, New York just a few hundred feet to the east of Interstate 87 crossing the Wallkill River in Ulster County, New York. Originally built to aid in the movement of trade between the towns of Rifton and Rosendale, the bridge is about 90 miles north of New York City. In May 1834 the State of New York authorized and provided money ($700) to Ulster County, NY (which invested $1500), to build the bridge. In 1844, the 138-foot 3-inch bridge was built by Rosencrans Wood. The one-lane wooden covered bridge, with a base of cement and bluestone, has been closed to vehicular traffic since 1930. The Bridge derives its name from James W. Perrine (b. 1780 d. 1849), a descendant of Daniel Perrin "The Huguenot", who was a tavern keeper who opened an inn on the east side of that future bridge in 1820. Perrine's son was hired each winter as the "snower". He would spread snow the length of the structure so horse-drawn sleighs could cross.
Covered bridges have long been in existence in New York State. At one time, over 300 spanned our rivers and streams. Due to flooding, storms, and other acts of nature, that number has dwindled to 24. Some were lost to vandalism and arson, which to covered bridge enthusiasts, is the most sinister of all.
It has been restored many times, the last in 1997 at a cost of $195,000.
It was declared a New York Historical site in 1966 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places as of April 13, 1973.
Located at: N41 49.063 W74 03.340 - WGCB #32-56-01
Photographed in August of 2015.