Before the Edmund Pettus Bridge (background) was opened, the Alabama River at Selma had a "horse and buggy" toll drawbridge. This historic marker recalls the days when pedestrians could cross for 5 cents. A two-horse buggy was charged 50 cents. The drawbridge was operated by a bridge tender who lived in the "bridgetender's house," which still stands. Tolls were abolished when the county purchased the bridge in 1900.
The original bridge opened in 1885 and was destroyed prior to christening the new one on May 25, 1940. River traffic could easily pass beneath the modern Pettus Bridge spans, greatly speeding the journey.
The original bridge opened in 1885 and was destroyed prior to christening the new one on May 25, 1940. River traffic could easily pass beneath the modern Pettus Bridge spans, greatly speeding the journey.
5 comments:
Oh. My goodness. It is a beautiful bridge. So modern. So nice. The old toll bridge would have been nice for us to see too. I am sorry things like that have disappeared all over. I guess we can chalk it up to progress.
I came to thank you for visiting my blog, yesterday, and for your comments about Patty's last radiation treatment. She was so pleased that I heard from so many people, including Eric, and I know it made her day extra-special. She was also surprised that some of you also visited her blog and left comments there. So thank you for your visit and comments. Being new to the community, it was a big surprise to us. Thanks again.
Abe and Patty Lincoln
Brookville Daily Photo
The arch in the bridge is very neat.
Well, Abe and Patty, the old swing drawbridge would have had to be drawn everytime a steamer needed through. So I guess it "wore out its welcome!"
lv2scpbk,how do you do? Nice to meet you!
The arch is nice to look at, but its design was also meant to be functional and was considered an engineering masterpiece. Designer Henson Stephenson was an Auburn University graduate who worked for the highway department, engineering firms and eventually became a civil engineering professor at the University of Alabama.
The bridge was built by T.A. Loving Construction Company of Goldsboro, N.C.
is this outside st james hotel? thanks.
Balbona, This sign is adjacent to the St. James Hotel in Lafayette Park.Thanks for visiting.
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