Sachs Covered Bridge

About Sachs Covered Bridge

Sachs Covered Bridge, also known as Sauck's Covered Bridge or Waterworks Covered Bridge, is considered Pennsylvania's most historic covered bridge. Built in 1854 by David S. Stoner, this 100-foot Town Truss bridge spans Marsh Creek just southwest of Gettysburg. The bridge features a distinctive lattice design with crisscrossing wooden beams, making it one of the few remaining Town Truss covered bridges in Pennsylvania.

History of Sachs Covered Bridge

The bridge's construction cost $1,544 in 1854. Its most significant historical moment came during the Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863, when both Union and Confederate armies used the bridge for troop movements. Union forces crossed on July 1st heading toward battle, and Confederate troops retreated across the bridge on July 4th after their defeat. In 1938, the Pennsylvania Department of Highways designated it "Pennsylvania's Most Historic Bridge." The bridge was closed to vehicular traffic in 1968 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. After a devastating flood in June 1996 that carried the bridge 100 yards downstream, the Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association oversaw its restoration, and it was rededicated in July 1997.

Architecture and Design

The bridge utilizes a Town Lattice Truss design, named after Connecticut architect Ithiel Town. This construction method features wooden beams crisscrossed to form a geometric lattice pattern, providing structural integrity. The bridge measures 100 feet in length and 15.3 feet in width. Today, approximately 90% of the original truss and lattice remain intact, with hidden steel support beams added during restoration.

Visiting Sachs Covered Bridge

Sachs Covered Bridge is located at the end of Waterworks Road off Pumping Station Road, in the southwestern corner of Gettysburg National Military Park near the Eisenhower National Historic Site. The bridge is open to pedestrians with wheelchair-accessible ramps. A dirt parking area accommodates several vehicles. The bridge is also renowned as one of Gettysburg's most haunted locations, with numerous reports of paranormal activity.