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.
