Speakman No. 1 - East Fallowfield Township, PA
N 39° 55.762 W 075° 49.354
18S E 429713 N 4420241
Speakman's Bridge No. 1 spans the Buck Run Creek in East Fallowfield Township, Chester County Pa. The 93 foot Burr arch-truss covered bridge was constructed in 1881 by Ferdinand & Menander Wood. Speakman No. 2, the twin bridge, is nearby.
Waymark Code: WM9H8W
Location: Pennsylvania, United States
Date Posted: 08/21/2010
Views: 3
This bridge at one time served the Jonathan Speakman gristmill and so that's where it gets its name. The bridge was built in 1881 by Menander Wood and Ferdinand Wood utilizing the Burr Arch for the sum of $2,000. The structure is 75 feet long and 14 feet wide and crosses Buck Run. The bridge is in good condition and open to vehicle traffic. Speakman No. 1 is owned and maintained by the State of Pennsylvania. There were some loose and broken planks and bolts and over a dozen active wasp and bee hives so if you visit be very careful.
The record indicate the bridge is on covered bridge road but that is where it outlets. We crossed it on while heading south on Frog Hollow Road. It is a single lane road and tricky to cross. There are very small pedestrian walkways on the sides but I didn't feel too safe as cars were speeding through it without regard for safety.
Fast Facts
Side View
• Length: 75 ft.
• Width: 14 ft.
• Built 1881
• Builder: Menander and Ferdinand Wood
• Truss: Burr
• Stream: Buck Run
• Traffic: yes
• WGCB Number: 38-15-05
• Parking: Pull-outs at either end of the bridge.