Is The Bridge Haunted?
Just a few miles outside of downtown Gettysburg lies a quiet, picturesque covered bridge stretching over Marsh Creek—a scene so serene, you'd never guess it's considered one of the most haunted places in Pennsylvania. Welcome to Sachs Covered Bridge (also spelled Sacks Bridge), a historic wooden span that has witnessed the terror of war, the desperation of retreat, and, according to countless visitors, an unrelenting presence from beyond the grave.
At Ghost City Tours, we've explored Gettysburg's most infamous haunts—and Sachs Bridge ranks high among them for both historic significance and spine-chilling paranormal activity.
A Bridge With a Past: Who Built Sachs Bridge?
Sachs Bridge was constructed around 1854 by David S. Stoner, a well-known bridge builder in Adams County. Built using the Town truss design, it stretches 100 feet across Marsh Creek and connected the farmland of the Sachs family to the rest of Gettysburg and surrounding areas. The bridge quickly became an important route for farmers, traders, and townspeople alike.
Its placement—nestled in the rolling hills and farmlands just west of Gettysburg—made it an important asset during the Civil War, especially in the summer of 1863 when the landscape around Gettysburg became a battlefield soaked in blood.
Sachs Bridge and the Battle of Gettysburg
During the Battle of Gettysburg, Sachs Bridge served as a critical point for troop movements. Both Union and Confederate forces used the bridge at different times throughout the three-day battle.
On the final day of the battle, July 3, 1863, as Confederate forces began a hasty and disorganized retreat from Gettysburg, Sachs Bridge became a primary crossing point. Thousands of retreating Confederate soldiers passed over its timbers, wounded and demoralized, as they headed back toward the South.
Some reports also suggest that Sachs Bridge was used to move artillery and supplies, as it was one of the few reliable crossings over Marsh Creek. The significance of this bridge, both logistically and symbolically, left it forever tied to the memory of the battle.
But history isn't the only thing that lingers here.
The Ghosts of Sachs Bridge
For decades, Sachs Bridge has been a magnet for paranormal investigators, ghost hunters, and curious visitors hoping to witness something unexplainable. Many have left with stories—others with terrifying recordings, photographs, or firsthand experiences they'll never forget.
The Confederate Soldiers
Perhaps the most common spirits encountered on the bridge are believed to be Confederate soldiers. People report seeing shadowy figures pacing across the bridge, often in full uniform, only for them to vanish when approached.
These soldiers are thought to be among those who crossed the bridge during the retreat—or who may have died near its banks and never made it home. One popular theory suggests that some of these men were deserters, executed by hanging from the wooden beams of the bridge by their own army as punishment. Visitors have claimed to feel ropes tighten around their necks or report hearing the unmistakable sound of choking and struggling above them.
EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) recordings have captured voices saying "Go back" or "He's watching." One particularly famous recording features a Southern-accented male voice simply whispering "Help."
Phantom Lanterns and Footsteps
Numerous visitors have witnessed lantern lights swinging in the darkness on the bridge—only to find no one there. Others report the echoing of footsteps behind them, matching their pace until they turn around… and find nothing.
Even in broad daylight, people have described sudden cold spots, feelings of being watched, or a weight pressing down on their chest as they stand near the middle of the bridge.
The Drowned Soldier
One of the lesser-known yet equally eerie legends of Sachs Bridge involves a Confederate soldier who allegedly drowned in Marsh Creek during the retreat. His spirit is said to haunt the water beneath the bridge, occasionally manifesting as a pale face rising from the creek or as wet footprints leading up the bridge ramp—appearing even on dry days.
Some even claim to hear the sound of a man gasping for air or splashing in the creek at night, only for the water to be completely still.
Visiting Sachs Covered Bridge Today
Today, Sachs Covered Bridge is a pedestrian-only historical site, beautifully preserved and free to visit. Despite its calm appearance, it remains one of the most actively haunted places near Gettysburg. Whether you're a serious paranormal investigator or just looking to experience a piece of Civil War history, the bridge offers a uniquely haunting atmosphere.
Many paranormal enthusiasts visit the bridge after dark, though visiting at night is technically discouraged by local authorities. Still, that hasn't stopped hundreds of late-night explorers from walking its span with cameras and audio recorders in hand.
How to Get to Sachs Bridge from Downtown Gettysburg
Getting to Sachs Covered Bridge is easy—it's just a short drive from the heart of Gettysburg.
From Lincoln Square in downtown Gettysburg:
- Head west on Chambersburg Street (U.S. 30) for about 2.5 miles.
- Turn left onto Knoxlyn Road, then continue for 1.5 miles.
- Turn right onto Waterworks Road—you'll see signs for Sachs Covered Bridge. Drive until you reach the small parking area near the bridge entrance.
GPS Address: Waterworks Road, Gettysburg, PA 17325 (You can also use "Sachs Covered Bridge" in most navigation apps.)
Sachs Covered Bridge may look like a tranquil, historic relic—but it carries the emotional and spiritual weight of thousands of men who passed over it in fear, pain, and retreat. Whether or not you believe in ghosts, standing on that weathered wooden span at twilight—with the wind whistling through the beams—you can't help but feel the presence of the past.
If you're searching for haunted places in Gettysburg, Sachs Bridge deserves a spot at the top of your list. Pair your visit with one of our Ghost City Tours of Gettysburg, and dive deeper into the town's haunted history—because in Gettysburg, the dead never really left.
The phantom regiment that continues its eternal retreat
The tragic spirits of the three executed deserters
The faithful sentry who continues his eternal watch
Unexplained light phenomena captured within the bridge
