Hollingshead Covered Bridge

About Hollingshead Covered Bridge

Hollingshead Covered Bridge, built in 1851, is one of Columbia County's oldest surviving covered bridges. This historic span crosses Catawissa Creek in Catawissa Township and was named after Henry Hollingshead, who owned a nearby mill. The bridge represents the early 1850s peak era of Pennsylvania covered bridge construction when experienced bridge builders had refined their craft. Located east of Catawissa Borough, Hollingshead Bridge served the local milling operations and farming communities for over 170 years. The bridge was restored in 1999, ensuring its preservation for future generations while maintaining its authentic mid-19th century character.

History

Constructed in 1851 by Peter Ent for $1,180, Hollingshead Covered Bridge was built to provide access to Henry Hollingshead's mill on Catawissa Creek. Water-powered mills were essential to 19th-century agricultural economies, processing grain from surrounding farms. The bridge enabled farmers to bring their harvest to the mill and facilitated commerce throughout the region. The early 1850s represented the height of covered bridge construction expertise in Pennsylvania. The bridge served vehicle traffic for nearly 150 years before receiving a comprehensive restoration in 1999 that preserved all historic architectural elements while ensuring structural stability. The restoration demonstrated the community's commitment to preserving Columbia County's covered bridge heritage. Though the mill no longer operates, the bridge continues serving local traffic and stands as testament to the mill-and-bridge partnerships that characterized 19th-century rural Pennsylvania.

Architecture

Hollingshead Bridge employs a Burr Arch truss design combining a supporting wooden arch with kingpost trusses. The structure features traditional red weatherboard siding with white-painted portals. Hand-hewn timber structural members are joined using mortise-and-tenon connections secured with wooden pegs - construction methods typical of the 1850s. The 1999 restoration preserved original construction techniques while strengthening the structure for continued use. The Burr Arch design provided the strength needed to span Catawissa Creek while supporting heavy agricultural wagon traffic to and from the mill. The bridge's excellent preservation allows visitors to appreciate authentic 1850s bridge construction and craftsmanship.

Visiting

Hollingshead Covered Bridge is located on Old Reading Road off Mountain Road, east of Catawissa Borough in Catawissa Township. The bridge continues to carry vehicle traffic across Catawissa Creek in a rural agricultural setting. The former mill site provides historical context for understanding the bridge's original purpose serving the local milling economy. The Catawissa Creek area offers scenic beauty typical of Columbia County's creek valleys. Photography opportunities are good throughout the year, with spring and autumn providing particularly attractive lighting and foliage. The bridge's proximity to Catawissa makes it easily accessible for visitors exploring the area. It can be combined with visits to other nearby covered bridges in southern Columbia County. Best visited April through November when weather and road conditions are optimal.