Paul’s Bridge

Paul’s bridge crosses the Neponset River at the foot of Fowl Meadow near Brush Hill Road, connecting Milton with Boston. Early wooden incarnations of the bridge date back to 1700 and were used mainly by local farmers. It was named after the Paul family who ran a farm nearby.

In 1849, the towns of Milton and Dedham saw fit to erect the current (and relatively ornate) stone bridge. Milton’s share of the expense was $627.62. It was later named a National Historic Landmark.

Although quite visible in an illustration from an 1887 history of Milton, Paul’s bridge today is barely noticeable as you cross over the Neponset Valley Parkway by car. The best way to view the bridge is on foot down by the bank of the river.

See if you can spot the deer through the archway on the right. It stood perfectly still while I fiddled with a tripod on slippery rocks and almost fell in.