Thomas Ford Covered Bridge

About Thomas Ford Covered Bridge

Thomas Ford Covered Bridge is a historic 75-foot Town Lattice truss bridge built in 1879. It is the longest covered bridge in Indiana County and the only one still open to vehicular traffic, crossing Crooked Creek west of Indiana, Pennsylvania.

History of Thomas Ford Covered Bridge

Thomas Ford Covered Bridge was built in 1879 by Amos Thomas at a cost of just $545. The bridge takes its name from the ford (stream crossing) that existed at this location before the bridge was constructed, and from the Thomas family who owned nearby property. In the early 1900s, when a railroad was built through the area, the bridge was also known as Thomas Station Bridge. The bridge was completely rebuilt in 1998 at a cost of slightly more than $1 million, a testament to how much construction costs have changed over a century. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

Architecture and Design

The bridge utilizes a Town Lattice truss design, patented by architect Ithiel Town in 1820. This design uses diagonal planks arranged in a lattice pattern and pinned with wooden pegs, making it relatively simple to construct without requiring skilled labor. At 75 feet in length, Thomas Ford Covered Bridge is the longest of Indiana County's four covered bridges. The 1998 reconstruction preserved the historic character while ensuring structural integrity for continued vehicular use.

Visiting Thomas Ford Covered Bridge

Thomas Ford Covered Bridge is located west of Indiana, Pennsylvania, just 2.5 miles off Route 422, making it the most easily accessible of the county's covered bridges. The bridge is located on Thomas Covered Bridge Road. There is room for several cars to pull off the road near the bridge. A notable attraction nearby is a beautiful mural painted in a tunnel under the railroad tracks, featuring the covered bridge. The mural is located a quarter mile north on Thomas Covered Bridge Road. Near the bridge is Yarnick's Farm Market, a popular local destination.