The Sachs Covered Bridge is definitely a Pennsylvania hidden gem! While on a trip touring the Gettysburg Countryside, I had a bartender at a winery spot the DSLR dangling from neck and tell me how I just HAD to check out the Sachs Covered Bridge. Clueless on what this gentleman was rambling on about, I did what anyone would do. I pulled out my iPhone and searched Instagram to see if The Sachs Covered Bridge was indeed Insta-worthy!
Once I was flooded with the most gorgeous photos I had ever laid eyes on, I made sure to tip the bartender graciously for this fabulous photography tip and my husband and I made the 5 minute trek to the Sachs Covered Bridge.
Crowned Pennsylvania's most historic bridge in 1938 by the highway department, the Sachs Covered Bridge claims to be the state of Pennsylvania's most visited bridge. Judging by its vibrant beauty, I definitely see the appeal and draw the Sachs Covered Bridge holds on tourists. It did lure me in after all!
A Little History Lesson
Just a few miles from Gettysburg Military Park, The Sachs Covered Bridge was built in 1852 under the direction of David Stoner. Spanning Marsh Creek, the bridge saw plenty of activity in July, 1863, during the Battle of Gettysburg. Crossed by two brigades of the Union soldiers before the battle, the bridge also aided the retreating Confederate troops of Robert E. Lee.
Ghost Hunter?
Because of The Sachs Covered Bridges reputation as a Confederate gallows, superstitious bridge visitors claimed to have encountered ghostly apparitions, felt cold spots on the bridge, smelled General Lee's pipe smoke and witnessed specters dressed in Confederate uniforms.
The Sachs Covered Bridge is also said to have been the site of a triple hanging of three Confederate soldiers that deserted the army. Rumors circulate that the spirits of these three men have been caught in photographs.
Of course, since we made our visit during daylight hours, no respectable ghost appeared for us. For all of you ghost hunters, I would recommend waiting until dark here on Waterworks Road for a memorable meeting of the mysterious dead.
Civil War Hospital & School House On The Sachs Covered Bridge Site
This Pennsylvania landmark is owned by the Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association and can be found on Waterworks Road in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Best part of all? No admission cost. Totally Free!