Baumgardener's Covered Bridge

About Baumgardener's Covered Bridge

Baumgardener's Covered Bridge stands as a testament to Lancaster County's rich covered bridge heritage. Built in 1860, this 122-foot span crosses Pequea Creek with the distinctive Burr Truss design that became the hallmark of Pennsylvania bridge construction. The bridge serves as a window into the mid-19th century when covered bridges were essential infrastructure connecting farming communities throughout Lancaster County's rolling countryside.

History

Constructed in 1860 on the eve of the Civil War, Baumgardener's Covered Bridge was built during the golden age of covered bridge construction in Pennsylvania. The bridge was named for a local family prominent in the area and served as a vital crossing point for farmers bringing their goods to market and for communities traveling between settlements. Like many Lancaster County bridges, it survived the transition from horse-drawn wagons to automobile traffic, demonstrating the robust engineering of the Burr Truss design. The bridge has been carefully maintained over the decades and continues to serve local traffic while preserving its historical character.

Architecture

The 122-foot bridge employs the Burr Truss design, a system patented by Theodore Burr in 1817 that became the dominant covered bridge style in Pennsylvania. The Burr Truss combines a traditional arch with a multiple kingpost truss system, creating exceptional strength and load distribution. The bridge's weathered red siding and traditional portals are characteristic of Lancaster County's covered bridge aesthetic. The structure demonstrates the skilled craftsmanship of Pennsylvania's 19th-century bridge builders who hand-hewn massive timbers and assembled them using traditional joinery techniques.

Visiting

Baumgardener's Covered Bridge is located in Lancaster County's scenic countryside near Pequea Creek. The bridge remains open to vehicle traffic and offers excellent photography opportunities, especially during autumn when surrounding farmland displays vibrant fall colors. Visitors should respect that these are working bridges serving local communities. The area around Pequea Creek provides beautiful natural settings for picnicking and creek exploration. Best visited spring through fall when weather is pleasant and the rural landscape is at its most picturesque.