In 1803 the Boston-Salem Turnpike entered Lynn by the Lynn Marsh Road (Route 107). It followed Western Ave. to Highland Ave. into Salem. When the turnpike was made in 1803, they had to build a bridge over the pond once called Collins Pond, so named after Lynn’s John Collins who had hid money from the British that was needed for the American Revolution. After The Graves family moved away from Lynn the pond was named Glenmere Pond.

Floating Bridge

People thought the pond had no bottom, so the bridge was made like a raft and floated on the water. When a heavy wagon went across, the water splashed up over the sides. When the floor grew old, a new one was put over it. The bridge grew thicker and thicker. This “floating bridge” would last for 120 years, serving the needs of travelers. The pond's name would be changed to "Floating Bridge Pond." 

In 1924 Lynn decided that a new “solid” bridge should be built. They knew there must be a bottom to the pond, but the water was pretty deep. The first step was to remove the water from the pond using a powerful steam pump. The old bridge was so thick that it had to be blown up using dynamite. The old timbers were not rotten despite being under water for over 100 years. Many long poles were driven into the floor of the pond, some as deep as sixty feet. A wooden case was built onto the poles and filled with cement. On top of the concrete base they built their solid bridge. They let the water back in to cover the base of the bridge.

In 1924, the bridge no longer floated and needed a new name. It was named Buchanan Bridge, in memory of Matthew Buchanan, the first man from Lynn to be killed in the World War (1917).

Buchanan Bridge was recently rehabilitated with new fencing, lights and side walks.