Local History by Dede Terns-Thorpe - LEEDS BRIDGE, STONE ARCH STRUCTURE WEAKENED BY FLOOD WATERS.

LEEDS — Mountain Top residents who frequently pass the “Old Leeds Bridge” have most likely known or read a little of its history. Here is a short Google tidbit with an interesting history of the bridge.

The Catskill Packet of August 6, 1792, notes: "Thursday the 26th of July completed the erecting of a bridge over Catskill Creek about five miles from this landing, on the great road to the back settlements. This bridge for magnitude and elegance of structure is inferior to none in the state."

The four arches of the Leeds Bridge are exceptionally graceful and well proportioned. 

Just below the bridge was the fording place used by both the Indians and whites.

During the widening of the State Highway in the early 1930s, three feet were added to the width of the bridge. Examination of the architectural features of the bridge shows that this was accomplished by cutting down the width of the parapet walls on either side, at which time the stones above the level of the roadway were re-laid. At this same time, parts of the abutments were strengthened by the addition of concrete at their bases.

And a few more tidbits that I recently came across in the April 23, 1936, Stamford Mirror-Recorder:

“The famous old four-arch stone bridge at Leeds in Greene

County which for 176 years has withstood the ravages of floods and, within the past few years the strain of motor traffic, is closed.”

A recent flood undermined a larger central pier, and it began to develop cracks. New York State and Greene County officials were engaged, and it was thought it could be repaired.

When Colonel Frederick Stuart Green, state superintendent of public works, made a trip across the bridge he immediately deemed it closed to traffic. State engineers declared it would be demolished and a modern bridge constructed. But… 

The state met with strong opposition from the Leeds residents, expressing the pride in the bridge built back in 1760.

A repair gang in charge of Frank J. Campbell of Cairo erected forms to ward off flood waters so that temporary repairs could be made as quickly as possible. The Campbell contractors followed Colonel Green’s orders that the bridge should be rebuilt by removing each piece and reconstructing it, exactly as it was first built.

Thanks for reading. I hope you all had a great holiday. Stay safe and be well.

Dede Terns-Thorpe/Hunterhistorian@gmail.com