# @vermontforreal on Instagram

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DFIOI6jOGhf
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/79165979-vermontforreal-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/22cce5c4dc.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-01-22T12:52:04.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Vermont For Real • Rebecca (@vermontforreal) — https://gondola.cc/vermontforreal

## Caption

This is very important journalism: are you team Big Eddy or Great Eddy? 😂 

Vermont has the most covered bridges per square mile in the entire US. There are over 100 authentic covered bridges here! But have you ever thought about which is the oldest? It’s time for Big Eddy’s big moment. 

✨ Construction for the Waitsfield Village Covered Bridge (aka Big Eddy) began in 1796, way before a village was established here. The bridge was completed in 1833 and became an essential link for rural farmers. Waitsfield quickly became a bustling village, complete with a grist mill next to the bridge. 

💦 So who’s Eddy and why is this bridge named after him? Honestly, no one really knows. In the 1700’s, locals named a dangerous swirl in the Mad River “Big Eddy” (maybe in honor of a village troublemaker). So when the bridge was built over the infamous swirl, the name stuck. Just another fabulous Vermont quirk! 

😎 But there’s been a generational debate if his name is actually Big Eddy or Great Eddy. No one in the Mad River Valley can make up their minds 😂 I lived here for 4 years and heard it most commonly referred to as just Eddy. It’s a safe way to avoid a local elder scolding you for using the wrong name!

💫 Surrounding Great/Big Eddy is a scavenger hunt of historic buildings. Check out all the unique shops, eateries, B&Bs, and views along the Mad River. I tagged 20 awesome businesses you should explore in this neighborhood. There are so many ways to enjoy Waitsfield’s historic center! 

💧 If anyone knows deeper history about where the name Eddy came from, please drop a comment!

#vermont #vermontforreal #vermontbyvermonters #vermontlife #newengland #travelvermont #vemontwinter #winter #coveredbridge #bridges

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## Credits

No public credits are recorded here. This does not identify who made the post.

## Tags

vermontlife, vemontwinter, vermontbyvermonters, bridges, newengland, vermont, coveredbridge, winter, vermontforreal, travelvermont

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