Patterson Covered Bridge

About Patterson Covered Bridge

Patterson Covered Bridge, built in 1875, is an 82-foot span crossing Green Creek downstream of its confluence with Mud Run. Located less than two miles southeast of Kramer Covered Bridge on Rohrsburg Road, Patterson Bridge was named after a nearby sawmill that once operated in the area. The bridge represents the post-Civil War era of covered bridge construction when Pennsylvania communities were rebuilding and expanding infrastructure. Most recently refurbished in 2006, the bridge continues serving local traffic while preserving its 19th-century character and providing a scenic crossing of Green Creek in rural Columbia County.

History

Constructed in 1875, Patterson Covered Bridge was named after a sawmill that operated nearby but no longer stands. Sawmills were essential to 19th-century Pennsylvania communities, processing timber for construction and other uses. The bridge provided crucial access to the mill and connected farming communities along Green Creek. The 1870s were a period of infrastructure renewal following the Civil War, and this bridge represents that era of reconstruction and growth. The bridge served vehicle traffic for well over a century, demonstrating sound original construction and ongoing maintenance. In 2006, the bridge received comprehensive refurbishment that preserved all historic elements while ensuring continued structural integrity. Though the sawmill has long since disappeared, the bridge continues serving the community and stands as a reminder of Columbia County's timber industry heritage.

Architecture

The 82-foot Patterson Bridge employs traditional covered bridge construction techniques typical of the 1870s. The structure features red weatherboard siding protecting the timber structural members from weather deterioration. White-painted portals frame the entrances following Pennsylvania aesthetic conventions. Hand-hewn timbers are joined using mortise-and-tenon connections secured with wooden pegs - methods perfected through decades of Pennsylvania bridge building experience. The 2006 refurbishment preserved original construction techniques while strengthening the structure for modern use. The bridge's modest 82-foot span demonstrates how covered bridge designs could be effectively scaled to match various creek widths while maintaining structural integrity.

Visiting

Patterson Covered Bridge is located at the intersection of Rohrsburg Road and Hartman Hollow Road, less than two miles southeast of Kramer Covered Bridge. Since Rohrsburg Road receives moderate traffic, visitors should park along Hartman Hollow Road on the western end of the bridge where ample pull-off space is available. The bridge continues to carry vehicle traffic across Green Creek in a scenic rural setting. The area features working farms and wooded creek valleys typical of Columbia County. The bridge's location makes it easy to visit in combination with nearby Kramer Bridge and other covered bridges in the Orangeville area. Photography opportunities are good, particularly during spring when Green Creek flows high or autumn when surrounding foliage creates colorful displays. The bridge is included on the northern driving tour route in the Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau's covered bridge brochure. Best visited April through November when weather and road conditions are optimal.