Peter Paddleford

Peter Paddleford (1785–1859) was a notable covered bridge builder and millwright known for designing an innovative wooden bridge truss that he never patented. Born in Enfield, New Hampshire, he moved to Monroe with his father in the early 1800s. In 1816, he received a patent for a spinning device, though it was not produced commercially.

Paddleford initially used the Long truss design but later developed his own truss, which faced criticism from others who accused him of copying earlier designs. His truss, noted for its strength and rigidity, featured stiffening members fastened inside the posts near the top and bottom chords. This design became widely used in New Hampshire, Maine, and Eastern Vermont during the 19th century.

In 1833, Paddleford attempted to build a bridge from Montreal Island but was unsuccessful. His first self-designed bridge was Joel's Bridge in Conway, New Hampshire (1846), constructed with his son Philip. He retired in 1849, after which his son continued building bridges. Paddleford died on October 18, 1859.

Paddleford's truss design was prominent in New England, particularly in areas like Orleans and Caledonia Counties, Vermont. His contributions to covered bridge construction left a lasting legacy in the region.