Rexford Falls footbridge refurbished

SHERBURNE – Rexford Falls bridge, built in 1877, is one of the oldest bridges in Chenango County. The bridge recently received a $40,000 restoration. The Herbert H. & Mariea L. Brown Trust Foundation provided $30,000 toward the restoration and the Town of Sherburne picked up the remainder.

The bridge is a landmark strongly tied to the memories of many Sherburne natives. The bridge spans roughly 75 feet across a rocky stream. The falls tumble down a stair case of sheer rock cliffs and finally rest at the bottom of the gorge, nearly a 100 feet below the bridge.

Rose Wellman, Sherburne Town Historian, said, “In 1865, Nelson C. Rexford, a Sherburne pioneer, purchased this piece of land ... At the time of his death in 1875 he requested that this picnic park be given to the Town of Sherburne.” The town accepted the bequest and named the park after Rexford.