Factory Covered Bridge

About Factory Covered Bridge

Factory Covered Bridge, also known as Horsham Covered Bridge, is the most accessible of Union County's covered bridges. Built in 1880, this 60-foot bridge uses a combination of Kingpost and Queenpost trusses. The bridge crosses White Deer Creek, a tributary of the Susquehanna River, and remains open to vehicular traffic.

History of Factory Covered Bridge

The bridge was built in 1880 and named for a woolen mill (factory) that once stood nearby but has since burned down. The bridge was repaired in 1954 and again in 1976 to maintain its structural integrity. Its location just off Interstate 80, a few miles west of the Route 15 interchange, makes it the easiest covered bridge to visit when traveling through central Pennsylvania. The bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

Architecture and Design

Factory Covered Bridge uses a combination of Kingpost and Queenpost trusses, which is somewhat unusual for Pennsylvania covered bridges. The bridge spans 60 feet over White Deer Creek and is 16 feet wide. This combined truss design provides adequate strength for the relatively short span while maintaining the traditional covered bridge aesthetic.

Visiting Factory Covered Bridge

The bridge is located in White Deer Township along Gray Hill Road, just a short distance off Interstate 80. There is a pull-off on the northern side of the bridge for parking and viewing. Its proximity to the interstate makes it an easy stop for travelers and a great introduction to Union County's covered bridge heritage. Nearby attractions include Clyde Peeling's Reptiland on Route 15.