Bartram’s Covered Bridge has stood quietly over Crum Creek for more than 165 years, connecting Delaware and Chester Counties while serving as a reminder of our community’s rich past. Built in 1860 and named for nearby landowner Mordecai Bartram, the bridge was constructed by Ferdinand Wood using the Burr truss design, a style commonly found in Pennsylvania covered bridges. Today, it holds a distinction that makes it especially treasured. It is the last remaining covered bridge in Delaware County, where more than 30 once existed. Its unusual slanted plank portals, designed to be “high and wide as a load of hay,” are unique in Pennsylvania.
Located at the intersection of Boot and Goshen Roads, the bridge has long been a symbol of cooperation and has served as a beautiful background to countless family photo shoots. Delaware and Chester Counties jointly funded its original construction, and generations of residents have worked to preserve it. Although the bridge has been closed to traffic since 1941, several restoration efforts over the decades have ensured that this local landmark continues to stand.
The latest chapter in the bridge’s story began in 2019 when Newtown and Willistown Townships launched plans for a major restoration project. After years of planning and funding approvals, the two townships each committed $375,000, while the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania contributed an additional $100,000. The extensive work included rebuilding the stone foundations and raising the bridge so a new timber floor and
decking could be installed. Both arches were repaired or replaced, and additional structural components were restored.
While the recently completed foundation and flooring work has returned the bridge’s structure to excellent condition, one important task remains – replacing the bridge’s aging wood siding, which was not included in the original township-funded project. With available public funds exhausted, the Newtown Square Historical Society has made the siding restoration its newest and most ambitious undertaking. The organization has committed to raising the funds needed to purchase the wood materials, ensuring that the bridge’s appearance matches the quality of its restored framework.
Helping make the project possible is Ed Johnston, chairman of the Bartram Bridge Commission and owner of Ed Johnston Builders. A longtime supporter of the bridge, Ed has generously volunteered to perform all of the labor at no cost, allowing every donated dollar to go directly toward the materials needed for the project.
As America celebrates its 250th birthday, preserving places like Bartram’s Covered Bridge offers a tangible connection to the craftsmanship, ingenuity and community spirit that have shaped our nation. Thanks to the dedication of local volunteers and supporters, this beloved landmark will continue to span Crum Creek and connect generations for years to come.
Those interested in contributing to the bridge siding restoration project can learn more by visiting the Newtown Square Historical Society’s Bartram’s Covered Bridge page at NSHistory.org/bcb.