Mount Pleasant in Charleston County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Cooper River Bridge
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Silas N. Pearman Bridge
Photographed by Dave W, May 20, 2023
1. The Cooper River Bridge side of marker
(side 1)
On August 8, 1929, a grand three day celebration and parade opened the first bridge to span Charleston Harbor. Built as a private toll bridge in 17 months for $6 million, it was a major link between Maine and Florida. With its steep inclines, dip, and sharp mid-way curve, the bridge was like a giant rollercoaster. In 1943, it was named to honor former Charleston Mayor John P. Grace. The state purchased the bridge in 1945 and removed the tolls.
By the 1950s, the Grace Bridge's narrow two-way lanes no longer served the growing area. A new three lane bridge without dips and curves opened next to the old bridge in 1966 and was named for Silas N. Pearman, chief commissioner of the state highway department. The region's continued growth made the existing bridges obsolete, and the eight lane Arthur Ravenel, Jr. Bridge opened on July 16, 2005.
Erected 2008 by CRESCO / Mount Pleasant.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Roads & Vehicles • Waterways & Vessels.
Location. 32° 48.132′ N,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Lowcountry. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Harry M. Hallman, Jr. (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Old Sunken Hull / BG James Estcourt Sawyer (approx. 0.2 miles away); Arthur Ravenel, Jr. Bridge
Photographed by Dave W, May 20, 2023
2. Silas N. Pearman Bridge side of marker
Also see . . . History of the previous bridges that led to the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge.
When the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge opened on July 16, 2005, it became the longest cable-stayed bridge of its time in North America and the tallest structure in South Carolina.(Submitted on May 22, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado.)
Photographed by Dave W, May 20, 2023
3. The Cooper River Bridge / Silas N. Pearman Bridge Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 5, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 22, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 953 times since then and 59 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 22, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
