If you’ve ever driven on US-1 in Topsham, there’s a good chance you’ve seen the curious bridge over the Androscoggin River. It might seem randomly placed, but it actually served an important purpose back in 1892 when it was built. In fact, back then many folks in the area could credit the bridge with their ability to make money. Today, it’s a fun trip over a piece of history.

Exploring our state is always an adventure, but there’s so much to see beyond its borders! Sign up for our Bucket List Newsletter to see must-visit destinations throughout the nation and inspire your travels, both near and far.

Built in 1892 to allow workers at the Cabot Mill to get to work, the Androscoggin Swinging Bridge was a vital part of life back in the 1800s and early 1900s.

Nicole S / TripAdvisor

Reaching across the Androscoggin River linking the towns of Topsham and Brunswick, the bridge spans a total of 330-feet.

eatbread / TripAdvisor

And, while it’s needed some repairs over the years the cables you see today are the same ones used when it was first built!

cmh2315fl / Flickr

And its history also reaches as far away as New York.

Jeffrey Girard / Google

It was built by the same person responsible for the Brooklyn Bridge, John A Roebling’s Sons Company.

Brett Wright / Google

As an important part of the history of the state, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004.

Bradley Osterhout / Google

But what about all that swinging business? Simple! Suspension bridges are often also called “swinging” bridges because their construction allows for give when it’s in use or during a windy day.

matt_goldbar Ribar / Google

You might not feel it move all the time, but if you’re from the area you likely remember walking to the middle, jumping around to make it shake and then running to the other side!

dougtone / Flickr

Or, you can always plant yourself on it during a windy day for the same feeling.

almostsummersky / Flickr This historic bridge is worth a visit, no matter how you make it shake!

You can visit the Androscoggin Swinging Bridge any time of year, but when the river is rushing it’s a bit more thrilling to cross! To explore more, check out these 10 covered bridges in Maine that might just remind you of a simpler time.

Nicole S / TripAdvisor

eatbread / TripAdvisor

cmh2315fl / Flickr

Jeffrey Girard / Google

Brett Wright / Google

Bradley Osterhout / Google

matt_goldbar Ribar / Google

dougtone / Flickr

almostsummersky / Flickr

This historic bridge is worth a visit, no matter how you make it shake!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Androscoggin Swinging Bridge, Swinging Bridge, Topsham, ME 04086, USA