Rapps Dam Covered Bridge

About Rapps Dam Covered Bridge

Rapps Dam Covered Bridge stands apart from Chester County's other covered bridges as one of only two structures in the county utilizing the Town Lattice truss design. Built in 1866, this 90-foot span crosses French Creek in East Coventry Township, near the site of a historic dam that once powered local mills.

The Town Lattice design, patented by Ithiel Town in 1820, uses a crisscross pattern of diagonal planks to distribute loads across the entire structure. This design was popular in New England but relatively rare in Pennsylvania, making Rapps Dam Bridge an architectural anomaly worth seeking out.

History

Rapps Dam Covered Bridge was constructed in 1866, the year after the Civil War ended. The bridge was built to serve the industrial and agricultural communities along French Creek, replacing an earlier structure at the dam site.

The name references the dam that once existed at this location, built to harness French Creek's water power for milling operations. The Rapp family, early German settlers, operated mills and businesses in the area for generations.

The choice of Town Lattice construction rather than the more common Burr Arch design remains something of a mystery. Perhaps the builder had New England training, or specific conditions at the site favored the lattice approach. Whatever the reason, this decision resulted in one of Chester County's most distinctive covered bridges.

Architecture

Rapps Dam Covered Bridge represents a significant departure from typical Chester County covered bridge construction. The Town Lattice truss uses a series of diagonal planks, typically about 3 inches thick and 10 inches wide, arranged in a crisscross pattern and fastened with wooden pins called treenails.

Unlike the Burr Arch design, which relies on a combination of arch and truss elements, the Town Lattice distributes loads through the lattice pattern itself. This creates a distinctive interior appearance quite different from the arched profiles of neighboring bridges.

The bridge's exterior maintains the traditional Chester County aesthetic with vertical board siding and red paint. Only upon entering does the unique lattice construction become apparent, with the diagonal planks creating geometric patterns of light and shadow.

Visiting Rapps Dam Covered Bridge

Rapps Dam Covered Bridge is located in East Coventry Township, Chester County, along French Creek. The bridge is accessible via Route 724 approximately 10 miles north of West Chester.

Best Times to Visit: The bridge's unique interior is best appreciated on bright days when sunlight creates patterns through the lattice work. French Creek is particularly scenic in autumn.

Photo Tips: Be sure to photograph the interior to capture the distinctive Town Lattice construction. The geometric patterns of the lattice create interesting shadow effects that are unique to this bridge type.

Nearby Attractions: Several other covered bridges are located along French Creek, allowing visitors to compare the Town Lattice design with the more common Burr Arch construction. Historic Pottstown is nearby.