Sachs Covered Bridge

The Sachs Covered Bridge, also known as the Sauck's Covered Bridge, Sauches Covered Bridge, and Waterworks Covered Bridge, was originally built in 1854. It is one of Town Lattice truss bridges remaining in . Pennsylvania. In 1968, a modern two-lane bridge was constructed, and the Sachs Covered Bridge was closed to vehicular traffic.

On June 19, 1996, a flash flood knocked the bridge off it's abutments and washed it 100 yards downstream. It incurred substantial damage, but fortunately, there was already a restoration project in progress. The bridge was repaired, and it was reopened and rededicated on July 21, 1997.

The exterior of the bridge is was repainted with the historic rust-red color, and the inside was repainted with a clear fire retardant in 2023. This was done free of charge by the Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Society of Pennsylvania. At the same time, the county added high tech cameras to deter and prosecute vandals.

This bridge was notably crossed by both the Union and Confederate troops during the Civil War Battle of Gettysburg. On July 1, 1863, the Union forces crossed the bridge. This included the brigades of Roy Stone and Chapman Biddle, as well as Cooper’s Pennsylvania Battery. In the early hours of July 2nd, Union General A.A. Humphreys crossed the bridge, reaching the battlefield before dawn. Later that day, the Confederate Longstreet’s Corps, including Pickett’s Division, utilized the bridge. On July 4th, after Pickett’s Charge failed, the wounded confederated troops retreated across the bridge. Many of the wounded lay prone on the banks on the river near the bridge, and are buried not far from the bridge.

There are numerous local legends indicating that the bridge is haunted. Three Confederate soldiers tried to evade the war by donning Union attire. They were discovered and were hanged from the bridge. It is unclear whether these soldiers were actually spies, deserters, or outright traitors, but it is said that their spirits still haunt the bridge. Other people claim to smell General Lee smoking his pipe on the bridge, or they hear distant gunshots and cannon fire.