Keefer Mills Covered Bridge

About Keefer Mills Covered Bridge

Keefer Mills Covered Bridge, built in 1853, is the only remaining covered bridge located entirely within Montour County, Pennsylvania's smallest county. This 78-foot span crosses Chillisquaque Creek in Liberty Township, just a few miles outside Washingtonville. The bridge represents Montour County's covered bridge heritage and serves as an important historical monument in this compact county. Despite being surrounded by counties with larger numbers of covered bridges, Keefer Mills Bridge stands as Montour County's sole remaining completely-within-county span, making it particularly significant to local heritage preservation efforts. The bridge has been featured in the Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau's annual covered bridge puzzle series.

History

Constructed in 1853 during the peak era of Pennsylvania covered bridge construction, Keefer Mills Covered Bridge was named after the mill operations it served. Water-powered mills were essential to 19th-century agricultural economies, and the bridge provided vital access to these facilities. The early 1850s represented a time when Pennsylvania bridge builders had refined their craft through decades of experience, and this bridge demonstrates that mature expertise. The bridge served Montour County for over 170 years, witnessing the county's creation in 1850 (just three years before the bridge was built) and its development into Pennsylvania's smallest but well-established county. As Montour County's only remaining bridge entirely within its borders, Keefer Mills Bridge has received careful maintenance and preservation attention. The structure continues serving local traffic and stands as a treasured monument to Montour County's covered bridge heritage.

Architecture

The 78-foot bridge features traditional covered bridge construction with weatherboard siding protecting timber structural members. The interior reveals hand-crafted timber framing typical of 1850s Pennsylvania bridge construction, including mortise-and-tenon joinery secured with wooden pegs. The bridge's mid-19th century construction demonstrates building techniques perfected during the peak covered bridge era. The structure spans Chillisquaque Creek in a quiet rural setting where a narrow grouping of trees along the creek makes photography somewhat challenging but creates an authentic rural atmosphere. The bridge's preservation as Montour County's sole remaining complete-county span makes it particularly important to local heritage. Small pull-off areas accommodate visitors, though space is limited given the rural location.

Visiting

Keefer Mills Covered Bridge is located in Liberty Township, just a few miles outside Washingtonville in Montour County. The bridge continues to carry vehicle traffic across Chillisquaque Creek in a quiet rural setting. Limited parking is available with small pull-off areas near the bridge. The surrounding area features mostly farmland with a narrow band of trees along the creek creating a scenic but somewhat enclosed setting. As Montour County's only remaining bridge completely within the county, Keefer Mills Bridge is particularly significant for visitors interested in exploring Pennsylvania's smallest county. The bridge is included in the Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau's covered bridge brochure and can be combined with visits to Columbia County's 19 bridges and the Sam Wagner Bridge which Montour County shares with Northumberland County. The bridge's selection for the covered bridge puzzle series demonstrates its photographic appeal and community significance. Best visited April through November when weather and rural road conditions are optimal.