Canton Viaduct

The Canton Viaduct looks more like a dam thrown across a shallow valley than a railroad bridge. Its arches are filled in, so it doesn't have that open look of other viaducts and instead just looks like what it is -- a  wall of granite. Apparently, though, it is like the chocolate bunny that kids get on Easter morning, it looks impressive but it is actually hollow. The viaduct isn't very long or very tall, it is, however, very old. Built in 1835 I am guessing it has to be one of the older continuously operated railroad bridges in the world. And even with its advanced age I think it still looks classy carrying the Acela or MBTA commuter trains. 

An MBTA commuter train heading toward Providence crosses the Viaduct on a Sunday afternoon.

One of the things I love about the viaduct is that the stone cutters, most of whom I am told were illiterate, made their marks on the stones they cut for the bridge. You can still see those marks quite clearly on many of the stones even after 176 years. It is a bit spooky to see those ``names'' still on the stones like some ancient graffiti and wonder about the men who made them. 

A stone cutter's mark.