Northampton Township in Bucks County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

A Bridge from Past to Present, Neighbor to Neighbor ...

Photographed by Richard Peterson, September 7, 2026

1. A Bridge from Past to Present, Neighbor to Neighbor ... Marker

Inscription. Between 1869 and 1871, the citizens of Newtown and Northampton Townships petitioned the Bucks County Commissioners to build a bridge connecting their two communities. They wanted relief from the burden of braving ice floes and rising waters at the shallows, or ford, near the present site of the Schofield Ford Covered Bridge. By 1873, the bridge was completed, and for the next 118 years, it played an important – and changing – role in the social and economic life of Bucks County.

On October 7, 1991, fire destroyed the beloved bridge. Within half an hour, the old wooden planks that had borne the weight of merchants, neighbors, lovers and strangers for more than a century collapsed into the creek. Black smoke rose from the bridge’s ashes, signaling a grievous loss throughout the region.

The next six years saw a remarkable outpouring of volunteer spirit and tenacity. Neighbors and friends of Tyler State Park and the Schofield Ford Bridge researched the history of the bridge and rallied support. Together, they raised a timber frame barn to practice for the construction of the bridge, and then they rebuilt the bridge itself

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– true to its original construction standards.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Bridges & Viaducts. In addition, it is included in the Covered Bridges series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1873.

Location. 40° 14.644′ N, 74° 58.87′ W. Marker is in Northampton Township, Pennsylvania, in Bucks County. It can be reached from Swamp Road 0.7 miles east of Worthington Mill Road. Marker is in Tyler State Park. It is on the Covered Bridge Trail, 0.2 mile from the parking area which is 0.2 mile from Swamp Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Richboro PA 18954, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Pennsylvania and in Greater Philadelphia.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

New Netherland,

and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking

Photographed by Richard Peterson, September 7, 2026

2. A Bridge from Past to Present, Neighbor to Neighbor ... Marker

distance of this marker: From Public Highway to Scenic Byway ... (a few steps from this marker); From Loss to Renewal ... (a few steps from this marker); The Schofield Ford Covered Bridge (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Community-built Landmark (about 300 feet away); Bridging Past and Present (about 300 feet away); Summer House Garden Seat (approx. 0.7 miles away); The Sculptures of Stella Elkins Tyler (approx. ¾ mile away); Tyler Gardens Planting Area (approx. ¾ mile away).

Schofield Ford Covered Bridge, group of four Markers at right image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Richard Peterson, September 7, 2026

3. Schofield Ford Covered Bridge, group of four Markers at right

Schofield Ford Covered Bridge image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Richard Peterson, September 7, 2026

4. Schofield Ford Covered Bridge

Credits. This page was last revised on September 16, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 12, 2026, by Richard Peterson of East Windsor, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 8 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 12, 2026, by Richard Peterson of East Windsor, New Jersey. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.