SACHS COVERED BRIDGE

 As are most things associated with the American Civil War, the haunted Sachs Covered Bridge is yet another on the long list of haunted structures found in Pennsylvania. Used by both Confederate and Union forces during the Battle of Gettysburg, the Sachs bridge served as the execution site for at least three Southern soldiers, providing the backdrop for the otherworldly activity said to take place there.

Built in 1852 by David S. Stoner, the Sachs Covered Bridge extends 100 feet and serves to connect land separated by Gettysburg’s Marsh Creek. For more than a century it allowed vehicles and pedestrians access in their travels.

However, due to weakening abutments over the decades, this beautiful historic landmark was closed to all automobiles by 1968. Almost 30 years later, flooding caused the bridge to be shaken from its foundation, requiring over half a million dollars to fully restore it with steel support beams.

While certainly more structurally sound than ever, it is today open only to foot traffic. Throughout the years, township officials considered reopening the bridge for vehicular use. But each time, the bridge’s preservation outweighed any change in operation.

When the Battle of Gettysburg broke out in July of 1863, the town of Gettysburg was turned upside down by the brutality that permeated the land. Since a vast majority of Union and Confederate soldiers were young men, there were instances that saw some of them attempt to abandon their posts and go into hiding.

One such occasion involved three Confederate troops who tried to evade the war by donning Union attire. Marching with the North near Sachs Covered Bridge, they were soon discovered as belonging to the South and were promptly made an example.

It’s argued as to whether they were spies, deserters, or outright traitors. Regardless, the three young men were hanged from the bridge’s wooden support beams, ensuring that any Confederates passing through would see the executed men, thereby serving as a warning.

So often do ghostly activities occur here that it has garnered the attention of many popular paranormal investigators and television series.

While many of the haunted locations throughout Gettysburg get plenty of attention, the Sachs Covered Bridge has become an icon and hot spot for otherworldly sightings and paranormal encounters. Its captivating beauty further draws outsiders to experience its mysterious charm.

In the daylight, the bridge is truly a picturesque scene, with stunning streams of water and elegant wooden construction. Once under the cover of night, however, the atmosphere quickly changes to a rather frightening setting.

Many witnesses have come forward to report the sighting of three disembodied heads floating on the bridge. Under the dim moonlight, their pictures have captured what appears to be the ghostly apparitions of the three Confederate soldiers.

The strong scent of cigar smoke has also been detected by guests, as if a soldier or general from years ago still patrols the area. Visitors have also been rattled by a tap on their shoulder, only to find that no one is there with them.

The sound of distant gunfire is heard when on the bridge at night. This could easily be attributed to someone hunting in the nearby woods, but those same gunshots are often accompanied by cannon fire.

Sachs Bridge ghost photo taken at Gettysburg by Spirit Stalkers of Ohio. Yes, that is the ghost of a soldier on the right side of the picture.