Most Endangered

Last week I painted on the wharf along the Piscataqua River in Portsmouth, New Hampshire dwarfed by the nearby hills of salt and rusted scrap piles.  In the distance stands the Route 1 Memorial Bridge, closed permanently yesterday to all motor traffic, pedestrians and bicyclists.

I had no idea when I painted the riverside scene, the nearly 100 year old iron tress bridge was to be dismantled the following week starting with the removal of the lift span yesterday.  The bridge which is one of three bridges that cross the Piscataqua River connecting Maine and New Hampshire was designated as one of America's ten most endangered historical places.  The Memorial Bridge was dedicated to all Sailors and Soldiers of New Hampshire who participated in World War I, 1917-1919.

A replica of the iron bridge will be constructed and is scheduled to open 2013.