Milford Swing Bridge

The Milford Swing Bridge is a stunning piece of Victorian-era engineering and one of New Hampshire’s hidden gems.

History

• Built in 1889 by the Berlin Iron Bridge Company
• Replaced an 1850 wooden footbridge that swayed heavily (hence “swing”)
• Originally built for mill workers to cross the Souhegan River
• Listed on the National Register of Historic Places

The Bridge

• 200-foot iron-cable suspended footbridge
• One of only two surviving suspension footbridges built by Berlin Iron Bridge Company
• Ornate Victorian design with elaborate finials
• Three-story-high support towers
• Wood-plank walkway over the Souhegan River
• Granite abutments from local quarries

Location

• Spans the Souhegan River in downtown Milford
• East side: Souhegan Street
• West side: Near Pine Street, northeast of town center
• Best approach from Bridge Street to Pine Street

Tips

• Great photo opportunity
• Still used for pedestrian traffic
• Best visited on a calm day to appreciate the gentle sway
• Combine with a walk around downtown Milford

Perfect For: History buffs, photography, unique New England experiences