Discover the Hidden History of America’s Oldest Covered Bridge in New York

The oldest covered bridge in America is tucked away just outside of the New York's Capital Region. Can you guess how old this bridge might be? Here are some clues.

When the oldest covered bridge in America was built most families lived in small homes with no electricity, heat or running water. The Erie Canal had just opened a pathway from the Great lakes to the Atlantic Ocean and John Quincy Adams was President.

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OLDEST COVERED BRIDGE IN NEW YORK STATE, according to This Is Cooperstown, is the Hyde Hall Covered Bridge, located at 1527 County Highway 31 in Cooperstown, NY. This is not only the oldest bridge in New York State, built in 1825, it is also the oldest covered bridge in the United States.

On Saturday October 11, 2025 officials from Cooperstown commemorated the 200th birthday of the bridge with a ceremony at Glimmerglass State Park.

Recently I had dinner in an 1800's castle, Beardslee Castle in Little Falls, NY., and wondered which other buildings, bridges and businesses might be among the oldest in New York State.

OLDEST BARBERSHOP IN NEW YORK - Have you been to Wedgeway Barbershop at 128 Erie Boulevard in Schenectady? The shop's Facebook page indicates that this is the oldest, continuously operating barbershop in New York at 112 years old! Stop in for a cut and check out it's antiques and artifacts.

OLDEST STORE IN NEW YORK - Well, almost. In 1907 the Northville, NY 5 & 10 cent store opened and is the oldest, continuously operating, 5 & Dime in the United States. The oldest general store is the St. James General Store, which opened in 1857, on Long Island.

Last but not least, the oldest city in New York is ALBANY!