Pennsylvania Has the Most Covered Bridges in the US

PA: Covered Bridge Capital

Pennsylvania has more covered bridges than any other state — over 200. Ohio is second with ~177.

Why So Many?

• 19th-century boom: Covered trusses protected structural timbers from rot (extended life 80+ years vs. 20 uncovered).
• Dense stream network + abundant timber + German/Swiss building traditions.
• Many on back roads; some still carry traffic.

Famous Examples

• Academia (Porter) — longest single-span (200 ft).
• Kintner (Bedford) — multiple kingpost.
• Sach's (Adams) — Civil War history.
• Lancaster County alone has 25+ (Amish country tours).

Preservation

PA Historical & Museum Commission + local societies maintain inventories. Many on National Register.