Bentzel’s Mill Covered Bridge

Do you know where was the last single-span wooden bridge in York County? 

The answer is Bentzel’s Mill Covered bridge that spanned the Little Conewago between Conewago and Manchester township. Bentzel’s Mill Covered bridge was constructed in 1859 to carry traffic over the creek to David Bentzel’s mill. Bentzel built the mill in 1831 to replace an older mill. The mill employed turbines to produce flour and feed for the surrounding area. After milling operations ended in 1930, the mill was converted into a hotel. A tavern was added adjacent to the mill in 1952.

In the 1950s, the state made plans to replace the old covered bridge at Bentzel’s mill. After opposition from residents, the state relented and built a new concrete deck bridge east of the covered bridge while leaving the old bridge intact. By 1965, the Bentzel Mill covered bridge had been fully restored and was the last remaining single span wooden bridge in York County. The conservation society leased the bridge from the county for the price of one holly tree per year. Unfortunately, the bridge did not survive the flood caused by Hurricane Agnes in 1972.

Today, the mill still stands beside the old bridge abutments. The property is leased as office space.