About Sheard's Mill Covered Bridge
Sheard's Mill Covered Bridge is a substantial 130-foot span crossing Neshaminy Creek in Plumstead Township, Bucks County. Built in 1873, this impressive Burr Arch truss bridge takes its name from the mill that once operated along the creek. The bridge's significant length reflects the importance of this crossing to the local economy and the mill operations that depended on it.
Mills were the economic engines of 19th-century rural communities, and the covered bridge serving Sheard's Mill was essential for farmers bringing grain to be processed and for transporting flour and other products to market. Today, while the mill no longer operates, the bridge remains as a testament to the agricultural and industrial heritage of Bucks County.
History
Sheard's Mill Covered Bridge was constructed in 1873 to serve the milling operations along Neshaminy Creek. The Sheard family operated a grist mill at this location, and the covered bridge was essential for farmers throughout the surrounding area who needed to cross the creek to reach the mill. Mills like Sheard's were central to rural communities, providing not just milling services but also serving as gathering places where farmers exchanged news and conducted business.
The 1870s were a prosperous period for Bucks County agriculture, with improved transportation connections opening markets in Philadelphia and New York for local products. The covered bridge provided reliable year-round access to the mill, protecting both travelers and their valuable cargo of grain from the elements during the creek crossing.
As commercial milling declined in the early 20th century with the rise of larger industrial mills, Sheard's Mill eventually ceased operations. The covered bridge remained as a vital link for local traffic, its substantial construction ensuring it could handle the transition to automobile traffic. Preservation efforts in recent decades have maintained the bridge's structural integrity while honoring its historic significance to the community.
Architecture
Sheard's Mill Covered Bridge employs the Burr Arch truss design at a substantial 130-foot span, making it one of the longer covered bridges in Bucks County. The bridge was built to handle the heavy wagon traffic associated with mill operations, requiring robust construction with massive timber members and sophisticated engineering.
The exterior features traditional vertical board siding painted red, creating the iconic appearance associated with Pennsylvania covered bridges. The portal openings were designed to accommodate fully loaded grain wagons, making them more substantial than those of many other covered bridges. The steeply pitched metal roof provides effective weather protection, essential for the bridge's longevity.
Inside, the impressive timber construction reveals the engineering sophistication required for such a long span. The Burr arch members, massive curved beams running along both sides of the roadway, demonstrate the elegant structural solution that made spans of this length possible. The hand-hewn timbers, joined with wooden pegs and iron hardware, reflect the craftsmanship of 19th-century bridge builders who created structures that have endured for 150 years.
Visiting Sheard's Mill Covered Bridge
Sheard's Mill Covered Bridge is located in Plumstead Township, Bucks County, along Covered Bridge Road near the intersection with Sheard's Mill Road. The bridge is accessible via local roads approximately 13 miles northwest of Doylestown.
Best Times to Visit: The Neshaminy Creek valley provides attractive scenery in all seasons. Spring offers rushing water and blooming vegetation. Summer provides lush greenery and opportunities to explore along the creek. Autumn foliage creates spectacular colors throughout the area. Winter can offer dramatic scenes with snow, though access may be limited.
Photo Tips: The 130-foot span creates impressive photographic subjects. Views from Neshaminy Creek capture the full length of the bridge. The mill heritage adds historical context for photography and interpretation. Early morning and late afternoon light provide the best illumination for capturing the bridge's details and setting.
Nearby Attractions: Peace Valley Park offers hiking, fishing, and boating on Lake Galena. The Peace Valley Nature Center provides environmental education programs. The Mercer Museum in Doylestown showcases early American tools and industry, providing context for understanding mill operations. Peddler's Village in Lahaska offers shopping, dining, and seasonal events.