Saluda Riverwalk in Columbia in Richland County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Old Saluda River Bridge

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 17, 2026

1. Old Saluda River Bridge Marker

Inscription.
The Saluda River bridge was a covered bridge and was probably built around 1819. It was just downstream from the Saluda Rapids, along the Old State Road. Confederate troops burned the bridge in February 1865 to slow the Union army's advance into Columbia. Large bridge stone abutments remain on the grounds of Riverbanks Zoo, and the remains of supporting pier foundations can be seen on two small river islands in the Saluda River near the zoo.

Erected by South Carolina State Museum.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • War, US Civil • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Covered Bridges series list. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1865.

Location. 34° 0.528′ N, 81° 4.565′ W. Marker is in Columbia, South Carolina, in Richland County. It is in Saluda Riverwalk. It can be reached from Candi Lane west of Greystone Boulevard, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 500 Wildlife Pkwy, Columbia SC 29210, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker

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is in the Midlands.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Deep South.

Globally, it is in 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: A Bridge to the Past (a few steps from this marker); Stark's Ferry (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Riverbanks Zoo and Garden (about 600 feet away); Aquarium-Reptile Complex (approx. 0.2 miles away); Riverbanks Park (approx. 0.2 miles away); Conservation Around the World (approx. 0.2 miles away); Doing Our Part for Penguins (approx. ¼ mile away); Saluda Factory Ruins (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbia.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 17, 2026

2. Old Saluda River Bridge Marker

The marker stands directly below the foot bridge between the connecting the Riverbanks Zoo (Columbia, Richland County) to the Garden (West Columbia, Lexington County).

Credits. This page was last revised on January 24, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 24, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 27 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 24, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.