Cumberland Township near Gettysburg in Adams County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Sachs Covered Bridge

Photographed By Craig Swain, April 12, 2008

1. Sach's Covered Bridge Marker

Inscription. The Sachs Bridge, built in 1852 by David S. Stoner, is one of the few remaining bridges built using Connecticut architect Ithiel Town's lattice system of support trusses. Part of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia began its retreat to Virginia by crossing the bridge after the Battle of Gettysburg in July of 1863. In 1938, the Pennsylvania Highway Department determined that the Sachs Bridge was the most historic covered bridge in the state. It was closed to traffic in 1968 and listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. Floodwaters swept it from its abutments on June 19, 1996. The County of Adams rehabilitated the bridge by supporting its trusses with steel beams and by raising its elevation three feet.

Erected 1997 by The Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Covered Bridges series list. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1779.

Location. 39° 47.851′ N, 77° 16.56′ W. Marker is near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in Adams County. It is in Cumberland Township. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Water Works Road and Pumping Station Road, on the right

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when traveling south. Water Station Road crosses the bridge, but is closed to vehicle traffic. Parking areas are located on either end of the bridge. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Gettysburg PA 17325, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. "…the most historic covered bridge in Pennyslvania…" (a few steps from this marker); Civil War Hospital (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Sachs Covered Bridge (approx. 0.2 miles away); John Eisenhower Bridge (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Helicopter Landing Pad (approx. 0.7 miles away); President Eisenhower’s Gettysburg Farm (approx. 0.7 miles away); The Guest House (approx. 0.7 miles away); Guest House Railings (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gettysburg.

Sach's Covered Bridge Plaques image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, April 12, 2008

2. Sach's Covered Bridge Plaques

On the left is a plaque detailing the county officials, architects, and contractors responsible for the rehabilitation of the bridge. On the right is a list of donors to the project.

Sach's Covered Bridge Seen from Pumping Station Road image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, April 12, 2008

3. Sach's Covered Bridge Seen from Pumping Station Road

Interior of the Bridge image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, April 12, 2008

4. Interior of the Bridge

The steel beams are well camouflaged by the wood work.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 7, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 3,167 times since then and 62 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 7, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.