Dave's Collected History of Bartlett, NH
Covered Bridges at Bartlett, NH - Past and Present
Bartlett was once graced with at least three covered bridges spanning both the Saco and Ellis Rivers at various crossing locations. In 2026 there is only one survivor and it is privately owned.
The others were at Goodrich Falls and Downtown Glen - both on the Ellis River.
The Bartlett Bridge Over the Saco River
SOURCE: In the February 20, 1981 Issue of The Mountain Ear newspaper Steve Eastman wrote an article about local area covered bridges. The article includes these quotes about the Bartlett Covered Bridge:
The Known Facts: The historic Bartlett Covered Bridge, which spans the Saco River, is one of only 53 covered bridges left in New Hampshire. Built in 1850, the bridge is 183 feet long with single span, paddleford type construction. The span was strengthened for vehicular traffic by the addition of a pair of laminated wooden arches in the 1920’s. This bridge carried traffic travelling on Route 302 over the Saco River for more than 80 years until it was replaced by the steel bridge in 1939. Dan, Nancy & Allison Wanek are the fourth owners of this historical property. (2026)
Key historical notes
- The bridge originally carried the main road through Bartlett. - It was bypassed in 1939 when Route 302 was realigned. - In the 1960s it was restored and converted into a small retail space by Jules and Isabel Cassenlli who owned the house next door. Today that house is a B&B and the Shop still operates in the bridge. - It remains one of the most photographed structures in Bartlett.
- Bartlett covered bridge is listed in the World Guide of Covered Bridges, number 29-02-02 and is New Hampshire covered bridge #50.
"In addition to the structure over Goodrich Falls in Jackson, Leander Nute also built the Bartlett Bridge which crosses over the Saco Rover off Route 302 between Bartlett and Glen. The 183' long structure is listed in some books as being built in 1870 but its builder's granddaughter, Helen Nute, contends that he would have had to build the bridge in the 1850s prior to his service in the Civil War. No records exist to verity the exact date, however, and consequently all of the dates mentioned are merely estimates. More precise information is known about the bridge's past in this century, however, and records show that the structure was abandoned in the 1930s. It remained dormant over the years, being used by the state and town to store road equipment, and as its condition became worse, rolls of snow fence. The town of Bartlett sold the entire structure to Isabelle and Jules Casinelli in 1966 for the price of one dollar. The Casinelli's owned a house adjacent to the bridge, and wanted to have a small workshop and gift shop to display her needlework and fine fabric articles. The abandoned covered bridge seemed like a logical choice, and their bid of $1.00 won out over others, since they had no intention of moving or substantially altering the architectural integrity of the bridge."
"The Casinellis remember the bridge as being in quite poor condition then - bed timber below the truss on the southeast corner was decayed so badly that it was only a pad of humus, and a floor timber caught between the broken end of an inverted arch and a diagonal member of a side truss were all that kept the corner from falling. They contacted Milton S Graton to repair the bridge, a major accomplishment which he finished after 10 months of work in 1966."
"Graton and his sons built the small gift shop that stands inside the bridge the following spring, letting the air out of their truck tires in order to pass under the roof supports of the bridge as they towed the small building through the portal. Today, passerbys continue to be enthralled by the charm of the old bridge, and share in the Casinellis' appreciation for the structure."
"When we compare what the bridge looks like now to its former appearance when we bought it," said Isabelle Casinelli," it's very gratifying to know that we've helped to preserve and restore the bridge. People who drop in to see us seem to share our feelings for it as well, and that pleases us. Covered bridges are such a part of our past, that it's only right they they be preserved. We're happy to have been able to contribute to that effort."
Who Built This Bridge? There are many theories, but the bottom line is there is no documented evidence as to who may have been the builder. A 1981 Mountain Ear article says that Helen Nute's grandfather, Leander Nute built it. Local lore credits Amos Eastman who owned a sawmill near the Glen railroad station. A John Leavitt received a documented payment from the Town of Bartlett for a bridge over the Saco, but that was 29 years after the presumed original construction in 1850 nor does it specifically reference this same bridge. Others mention The Berry Brothers who were very active builders in the 1850's. All these ideas are pure speculation; there is no documented evidence to support any of it except the Leavitt payment.
Two Bridges Gone and Almost Forgotten
The Glen Ellis Bridge Near Glen Station
Township:Bartlett
Town/Village:Glen
Bridge Name:Glen
Crosses:Ellis River
Truss type:Paddleford & Arch
Spans:1
Length:130'
Roadway Width:
Built:1866
Builder:
When Lost:1938
Very little is known about this bridge except that it crossed the Ellis River near today's Patches Marketplace and the Glen Post Office. It was replaced with a metal Pratt Truss bridge during the late 1930's. (Similar to the picture at left which is not the actual bridge). In the 1990's that bridge was replaced with concrete and steel due to the need for higher vehicle clearances and width.
The Goodrich Falls Bridge on Rte 16 Crosses the Ellis River
Township:Bartlett
Town/Village:Goodrich Falls
Bridge Name:Goodrich Falls
Crosses:Ellis River
Truss type:Paddleford & Arch
Spans:1
Length:104'
Roadway Width:
Built:1857
Builder:Leander Nute
When Lost:1930
Cause:Removed
Latitude:N44 07.61
Longitude:W071 11.34
In a 1981 article The Mt Ear newspaper described this as a handsome span that once crossed Goodrich Falls in Jackson, (Editors note, it's actually in Bartlett) built in the 1850s by Helen Nute's grandfather, Leander Nute. Crossing the Spans of Time - Covered Bridges Pay Tribute to the Past
Leander Nute's Name is Mentioned Twice;
So Who Was He?
Leander Nute was the son of James and Ermaline Nute who operated a large farm in Upper Bartlett. It was known then, as now, Mountain Home.
Leander Nute was an 19th-century builder, farmer, and local figure in Bartlett, New Hampshire, best known for constructing historic regional landmarks. [1, 2]
His notable contributions and history include:
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The Bartlett Covered Bridge: He is recognized by some as the builder of the historic Bartlett Bridge (also known as the Bartlett Covered Bridge), a 183-foot structure that crosses the Saco River along Route 302. While some records estimate its construction date as 1870, family history passed down by his granddaughter indicates he built it in the 1850s before leaving to serve in the Civil War. [1]
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Other Engineering Work: Beyond Bartlett, Nute is credited with constructing the covered bridge over Goodrich Falls in neighboring Jackson, New Hampshire. [1]
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The Mountain Home Farm: In addition to building bridges, Nute and his family operated a sprawling, successful working farm in the Bartlett Village area known as Mountain Home. The farm extended from the Saco River down to what is now the modern-day Bartlett Inn. The Nutes were pioneers in the early White Mountains tourism boom, catering to city visitors who wanted to vacation on an active, rustic summer farm. [1, 2]
Leander Nute served as a Union soldier in the American Civil War, enlisting in the fall of 1862. [1]
His recorded military service timeline includes:
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Enlistment: Nute officially entered the Union Army on September 16, 1862, credited to his home town of Bartlett, New Hampshire.
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The Bridge-Building Connection: According to Nute family records passed down by his descendants, his military enlistment directly dates the construction of the Bartlett Covered Bridge. Local and family history notes that Nute completed building the bridge structure in the 1850s shortly before he went away to serve in the Civil War. [1, 2, 3]
🪖 Military Enlistment & Unit Assignment
Leander Nute officially enlisted in the Union Army on September 16, 1862, and was mustered in on October 20, 1862. He served as a Private in Company B of the 16th New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry Regiment, a unit made up largely of men recruited from Carroll County. [1, 2, 3]
🗺️ The 16th New Hampshire's Wartime Campaign
The 16th New Hampshire had a brief but grueling nine-month term of service. Unlike regiments that fought in major clashes like Gettysburg, Nute’s unit was assigned to the Department of the Gulf under Major General Nathaniel P. Banks. Their operational history includes: [1, 2]
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The Expedition South: In December 1862, the regiment sailed from New York down to New Orleans, Louisiana, to reinforce Union control over the lower Mississippi River region.
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Garrison Duty & Bayou Campaigns: The regiment was stationed at strategic outposts in Louisiana, including Brashear City (modern-day Morgan City) and Fort Burton at Butte-à-la-Rose. They protected crucial Union supply lines and participated in the early stages of the Teche Country and Port Hudson campaigns. [1]
🦠 The Silent Killer: Disease in the Swamps
While the 16th New Hampshire saw limited battlefield combat, it suffered a devastating toll due to its environment. Stationed in the unforgiving, malaria-ridden swamps of Louisiana during the sweltering summer of 1863, the regiment was ravaged by tropical diseases, including malaria, dysentery, and yellow fever. [1]
The disease outbreak was so severe that it incapacitated a massive portion of the regiment. Out of the hundreds of men who died in the 16th New Hampshire during the war, the vast majority succumbed to illness rather than battlefield wounds. [1, 2]
🏠 Return to Bartlett
Leander Nute survived the deadly conditions in Louisiana and was honorably mustered out with his company on August 20, 1863, at Concord, New Hampshire. He returned home to Bartlett as a veteran, where he resumed his life as a master bridge builder and expanded the Mountain Home farm. [1, 2]
Following his discharge from the Union Army in late 1863, Leander Nute married Emily Wilson. Emily was a core partner in managing their farm and building the family's presence in Upper Bartlett. [1]
🌾 Expanding the Mountain Home Legacy
With Emily by his side, Leander built up Mountain Home, an expansive working farm in the Bartlett Village area. Together with their son James (who later ran the property with his wife, Emeline Nute), the family expanded the estate significantly: [1, 2]
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The Estate: The Nute farm spanned the distance from the modern-day Bartlett Inn all the way westward toward Silver Springs, and stretching northward to the banks of the Saco River. [1]
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The Tourism Pioneer: During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the White Mountains became a major destination for city travelers escaping urban heat. The Nutes adapted their property to cater to summer boarders who wanted an authentic, rustic vacation on a functioning New England farm. [1]
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Evolution of the Land: The Nute family operated the bustling farm and boarding house for decades. In the 1920s, the property transitioned into a campground, and in 1930, James and Emeline finally sold the historic homestead and its grounds to Clifton and Lucille Garland. The Garlands transformed it into the iconic Mountain Home Cabins, which still stands today along Route 302. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Leander and Emily Nute had at least two primary sons who grew up on the homestead and went on to carry the family's legacy: [1]
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James Nute: James took over the main operations of the sprawling Mountain Home family farm alongside his wife, Emeline. They grew the estate into a highly successful farm and boarding house that served summer vacationers during the peak of the White Mountains tourism boom. It was James and Emeline who eventually passed the property down through the decades until its transition into the Mountain Home Cabins in 1930. [1, 2]
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Dexter A. Nute: Born on the family homestead, Dexter lived in the town of Bartlett for 55 years. Local public library death records indicate that he passed away in June 1916. [1]
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The Next Generations: The family line continued strongly in the region. Leander’s granddaughter, Helen Nute, became a well-known local historian and caretaker of the family's stories. It is through Helen's archived records and oral history that modern historians know Leander built the iconic covered bridge at Goodrich Falls in Bartlett, as well as the early dating of the Bartlett Covered Bridge. [1, 2]
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Assumed brothers of Leander were, Charles 1833-1881; Freeman 1837-1903. Mary Abbott was married to Charles. She lived 1837-1888.
Because historical documentation heavily highlights the children who stayed in town to maintain the family's extensive bridge-building and farming endeavors any other daughters or children who may have married out of the Nute name or moved away from the Carroll County area remain less prominent in local public indices.
According to regional genealogical archives and public library death records from Carroll County, specific details surrounding the exact causes of death for Emily and Leander are not recorded in available public accounts, but their lifespans point to long lives in the region:
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Leander Nute passed away in 1894 at approximately 63 or 64 years of age. Having survived the harsh, disease-ridden swamp conditions during his Civil War service in Louisiana, he returned to live another three decades as a prominent bridge builder and farmer in the White Mountains. [1]
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Emily (Wilson) Nute outlived her husband, though her exact passing date is less clear in public town indices. Her legacy was carried heavily into the 20th century by their children and grandchildren, most notably their son James and granddaughter Helen Nute, who preserved the family’s historical records and the Mountain Home estate. [1, 2]
Later, under James Nute's ownership he also operated Silver Springs Cottage as their guesthouse for visiting farm workers. It was located nearly opposite Mountain Home's main dwelling. The cottage burned in the 1930's and all that remains is the cellar hole (as of 2025).
References:
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Bartlett NH History
History Bartlett NH village area
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Crossing the Spans of Time
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Interesting Tales | bartletthistory.net
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Genealogy Trails
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New Hampshire Civil War soldiers - Genealogy Trails
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Facebook
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Bartlett covered bridge over the Saco River - Facebook
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Historic Bartlett covered bridge in Glen, NH - Facebook
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Project Gutenberg
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History of the Forty-second Regiment Infantry, Massachusetts
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New Hampshire Civil War soldiers - Genealogy Trails
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Data discovered with the help of LUMO Artificial Intelligence
Dec 5, 1986 - Mtn Ear - Helen Nute
On Growing Old by Helen Nute
Reflections of a local Octogenarian
To the octogenarians and nonagenarians of the Mt. Washington Valley: "Grow old along with me; the best is yet to be!"
Helen Elizabeth Nute (1898–1994) was a foundational pillar of historical preservation in the Mount Washington Valley. Living to the age of 96, she dedicated much of her life to documenting, researching, and teaching the history of Bartlett, Intervale, and North Conway, New Hampshire. [1, 2]
Her preserved archives, writings, and community leadership directly shape how modern historians understand the region today.
📚 Major Historical Work and Published Writings
Helen Nute was a rigorous researcher who didn't just pass down oral folklore—she cross-referenced town documents, family Bibles, and physical architecture. Her most notable written works include:
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Historic North Conway, Part I (1961): Published by The Reporter Press, this remains a highly cited regional text detailing the 19th-century growth of North Conway and its surrounding villages. It serves as a core source document for the Bartlett New Hampshire Heritage project. [1]
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"Reflections of a Local Octogenarian" (1986): Written when she was 89 years old, this widely shared essay captured the transformation of the Saco River Valley from a quiet farming community into a bustling tourism hub. Local archiving projects like the Mountain Ear Chronicles have preserved it as an essential, poetic record of 20th-century life in the valley. [1]
🌉 Correcting the Bridge Timelines
Helen's most famous correction to the local historical record involves her grandfather, Leander Nute. Nineteenth-century state records frequently estimated that the Bartlett Covered Bridge was constructed around 1870. [1]
However, Helen used her meticulously preserved family records to challenge this timeline. She demonstrated that because Leander went off to serve in the Civil War in the fall of 1862, he had to have built the physical structure in the 1850s. Modern historians credit her timeline for giving a more accurate picture of regional engineering before the war. [1]
🏛️ Civic Leadership and Legacy
Helen Nute was deeply embedded in the civic fabric of Carroll County. She was an active political figure, serving as a state committee secretary and an alternate delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1972. [1, 2]
Upon her death in 1994, she was interred at the Conway Cemetery. Her collective family letters, photographs of the early Mountain Home farm, and research notes were distributed among regional historical entities. They now provide the backbone for exhibits hosted by local history networks and digital mapping projects chronicling the early settlement of the White Mountains. [1, 2]
This little covered bridge, fittingly enough, is at Leander's Mountain Home, crossing Nute's Brook. It was probably built by the Garlands who now own the cabin business and Bear Notch Ski Touring.
EDITOR'S NOTE: When I started gathering information for this article, I soon discovered that lots of people have generated websites around covered bridges. Most only include surviving and existing bridges, information about those that are gone can be hard to find.
If you want information about other bridges...there's plenty of info out there, both free on the web or in book format style where you pay for what they know.
I found one of the best sources created by Kim Varney Chandler. Her book might make one envious that they themselves didn't participate in her visit to each of the 53-surviving NH bridges. Her website is a good substitute offering lots of pictures and basic details. If you can spend about $40 her book is very detailed and her level of research is well worth paying the price.
The swinging bridge at Intervale Ski Area in the 1960's. It provided access from the parking lot to the slopes across the East Branch River. That's young Doug Eliason..
Should we mention swinging bridges?
The other swinging bridge I remember was the Bemis Bridge in Crawford Notch, New Hampshire, is a 168-foot-long pedestrian bridge that crosses the Saco River at the trailhead of the historic Davis Path.
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Samuel Bemis built the original 108-foot bridge here. The current structure was rebuilt in 1999 using a National Scenic Byways grant. I couldn't find a picture of the old bridge yet.