Lancaster County, PA is home to the most covered bridges still in existence and there are about 5 in and around Lancaster City itself. Often referred to as the kissing bridges because of the many couples that have strolled across them over the years, they offer a historic glimpse of Lancaster with its beauty and impeccable building.
To start off there is the Hunsecker’s Mill Covered Bridge. Originally built in 1848 for $1988 by Joseph Russell with a double Burr Arch truss system. Rebuilt for $321,302 in 1973 after the rising waters from Hurricane Agnus lifted it off its abutments and carried it downstream. Its length of 180 ft. makes it the longest single-span covered bridge in the county.
Next there is the Willow Hill Covered Bridge that is located by the outlets in Lancaster. The Willows Bridge is a combination of two bridges, the Millers Farm Bridge and the Goods Ford Bridge. Both bridges were slated for demolition in 1962. The County of Lancaster gave Mr. Adolph Neuber (then owner of the Amish Farm & House) the Millers Farm Bridge to preserve this historical landmark. Neuber then purchased the Goods Ford Bridge to repair the rotten wood from the Millers bridge. With the help and guidance of Roy Zimmerman, the bridges were restored and combined to complete the Willows Bridge. This bridge was named for The Willows, a restaurant, which was located nearby. Every piece, except the wood shingles, is from the original bridges. The floor is red oak while some cords are white pine. The arches were cut from pine trees that were 150 years old when cut, therefore making part of the bridge almost 300 years old.
Originally known as Isaac Baer’s Mill Bridge, the Kurtz Mill Bridge was built over the Conestoga River in 1876 for $1407. Damaged in1972 by the flood waters from Hurricane Agnus, it was moved to Lancaster County Central Park and rebuilt by David Esh for $75,000 in 1975.
The Landis Mill Covered Bridge was built by Elias McMellen in 1873 for $969. The kingpost truss was used rather than the Burr arch truss because of its short length of 53 ft., the shortest authentic covered bridge still in use.
The Neff’s Mill Covered Bridge was originally built by Christian Brackbill in 1824 (cost unknown) as the Bowman’s Mill Bridge. It was rebuilt by James C. Carpenter in 1875 for $1860. With an 11 ft. opening, it is the county’s narrowest covered bridge. In the winter of 2001, the mill was torn down and the stones used to make a stone fence on the property.
Plan your visit to Lancaster, PA to learn and see the history that makes us to unique ! To book your stay at the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott you can visit our website or call our toll free number at 888-STAY-FFI. To get more information about Lancaster you can visit the PA Dutch Country website to see all the things that there are to offer in this wonderful city.
