About Van Sant Covered Bridge
Van Sant Covered Bridge, also known as Pidcock Creek Bridge, is a well-preserved 86-foot span crossing Pidcock Creek in New Britain Township, Bucks County. Built in 1875, this Burr Arch truss bridge takes its name from the Van Sant family, whose farm occupied the land on the western side of the creek. The bridge represents the continued investment in covered bridge infrastructure during the post-Civil War era.
Set in a peaceful rural valley where Pidcock Creek winds through farmland and woodlots, Van Sant Bridge offers visitors a glimpse into Bucks County's agricultural heritage. The surrounding landscape retains much of its 19th-century character, making the covered bridge feel like a natural part of the countryside rather than a museum piece.
History
Van Sant Covered Bridge was constructed in 1875, during a period of prosperity and growth in Bucks County's agricultural economy. The bridge was built to serve the farming community of New Britain Township, where families like the Van Sants had established successful operations producing grain, dairy products, and livestock.
The Van Sant family, for whom the bridge is named, were descended from Dutch immigrants who had settled in Bucks County in the 18th century. Their farm, like many in the area, depended on reliable access across Pidcock Creek to transport goods to markets and mills. The covered bridge provided year-round crossing regardless of weather conditions, a critical advantage for farmers working to bring products to market.
Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the bridge witnessed the gradual transformation of American agriculture from horse-drawn implements to mechanized equipment. The bridge's substantial construction allowed it to adapt to these changes, though it required periodic maintenance to remain functional. Preservation efforts in recent decades have ensured the bridge retains its historic character while continuing to serve local traffic.
Architecture
Van Sant Covered Bridge demonstrates the Burr Arch truss design at an 86-foot span, a length that required substantial timber members and precise construction. The bridge was built during a period when covered bridge construction techniques had reached a high level of refinement, and the quality of the workmanship is evident throughout the structure.
The exterior features vertical board siding painted in the traditional red color that characterizes Pennsylvania's rural architecture. White trim around the portal openings creates visual contrast and helps define the bridge's architectural features. The metal roof, with its steep pitch designed to shed snow and rain, continues to protect the wooden structure as it has for nearly 150 years.
Inside, the massive hand-hewn timbers and Burr arch members reveal the engineering sophistication that made these bridges both strong and durable. The arch members, curving gracefully along both sides of the roadway, efficiently transfer the bridge's weight to the stone abutments. The traditional joinery, accomplished with wooden pegs and iron hardware, reflects the craftsmanship of 19th-century bridge builders.
Visiting Van Sant Covered Bridge
Van Sant Covered Bridge is located in New Britain Township, Bucks County, along Covered Bridge Road off Sawmill Road. The bridge is accessible via local roads approximately 12 miles southwest of Doylestown, the county seat.
Best Times to Visit: The Pidcock Creek valley is attractive in all seasons. Spring brings rushing water and emerging vegetation. Summer offers lush greenery and opportunities to explore the creek. Autumn foliage creates spectacular colors that photograph beautifully with the red bridge. Winter can be particularly scenic with snow, though access may be limited.
Photo Tips: The bridge photographs well from Pidcock Creek banks on either side. The 86-foot span creates an impressive subject for photography. Early morning light provides soft, warm illumination. The surrounding farmland and forests offer landscape composition opportunities that include the bridge in its rural context.
Nearby Attractions: Fonthill Castle, the home of tile maker Henry Mercer, offers tours of its unique concrete castle architecture. The Moravian Tile Works showcases traditional tile-making techniques. Peace Valley Nature Center provides environmental education and hiking trails. Core Creek Park offers recreation facilities and natural areas.