About Schofield Ford Covered Bridge
Schofield Ford Covered Bridge is one of the longest and most impressive covered bridges in Bucks County. Built in 1874, this 150-foot span crosses Neshaminy Creek within the scenic boundaries of Tyler State Park in Newtown Township. Unlike most covered bridges in Bucks County which use the Burr Arch design, Schofield Ford employs the Town Lattice truss, making it architecturally distinctive among the county's historic bridges.
The bridge takes its name from the ford crossing that preceded it at this location on Neshaminy Creek. The Schofield family operated a mill along the creek, and the ford served as an important crossing point for farmers and travelers before the covered bridge was constructed. Today, the bridge's location within Tyler State Park ensures its preservation and provides visitors with easy access to one of Pennsylvania's finest covered bridges.
History
Schofield Ford Covered Bridge was constructed in 1874 to replace an earlier ford crossing of Neshaminy Creek. The location had long been important for local transportation, with the Schofield family's mill operations depending on reliable access across the creek. The decision to build such a substantial 150-foot span reflected both the width of Neshaminy Creek at this location and the importance of the crossing to the regional road network.
The choice of Town Lattice truss construction was significant. While the Burr Arch design dominated covered bridge building in most of Pennsylvania, the Town Lattice offered certain advantages for very long spans. The lattice design distributed loads evenly across a web of diagonal timbers, creating a structure that was both strong and relatively easy to construct using standardized lumber.
Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the bridge served the agricultural community of Newtown Township, handling traffic between farms and markets. When Tyler State Park was established in the 1970s, the covered bridge became a centerpiece of the park's historic and natural resources. The park setting has provided excellent protection for the bridge, ensuring its preservation for future generations while making it easily accessible to visitors.
Architecture
Schofield Ford Covered Bridge is notable for its use of the Town Lattice truss design, invented by architect Ithiel Town in 1820. This construction method creates a web of diagonal timbers arranged in a lattice pattern, with each member pinned at multiple intersections. The result is a structure that distributes loads very efficiently across the entire span.
At 150 feet, Schofield Ford is one of the longest covered bridges in Bucks County. The length required precise engineering and substantial materials. The Town Lattice design was well-suited to this challenge, as it could be extended to greater lengths more easily than some other truss types. The bridge uses relatively uniform lumber throughout, making repairs and maintenance more straightforward than designs requiring specialized curved or shaped members.
The exterior features vertical board siding painted red, consistent with Pennsylvania covered bridge tradition. The portal openings are substantial, sized to accommodate the farm wagons and equipment common in the late 19th century. The metal roof with its characteristic steep pitch effectively protects the internal structure from weather. Inside, the lattice pattern is clearly visible, with diagonal timbers creating a distinctive geometric appearance quite different from the Burr Arch design seen in most Pennsylvania covered bridges.
Visiting Schofield Ford Covered Bridge
Schofield Ford Covered Bridge is located within Tyler State Park in Newtown Township, Bucks County. The park entrance is off Newtown-Richboro Road (PA Route 332), approximately 3 miles north of Newtown borough. The bridge is easily accessible via the park's trail system.
Best Times to Visit: Tyler State Park is beautiful year-round and the covered bridge benefits from the park setting. Spring offers blooming vegetation and high water in Neshaminy Creek. Summer provides lush greenery and opportunities for other park activities. Autumn foliage is spectacular throughout the park. Winter can be beautiful with snow, and the park remains open for winter recreation.
Photo Tips: The 150-foot length makes this bridge an impressive photographic subject. Views from Neshaminy Creek capture the full span. The lattice truss construction visible from inside creates interesting geometric patterns for photography. The park setting provides numerous vantage points and opportunities for landscape compositions that include the bridge.
Nearby Attractions: Tyler State Park offers hiking trails, fishing, and picnic facilities. The park's 1,711 acres provide extensive opportunities for outdoor recreation. The historic borough of Newtown offers shopping, dining, and additional historic sites. The Newtown Historic Association operates a museum showcasing local history.