Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia in Richland County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
A Bridge to the Past
Photographed by Brian Scott, May 30, 2009
1. A Bridge to the Past Marker
In 1819 a covered bridge was built to span this part of the Saluda River. Confederate Troops burned the bridge in 1865 hoping to stop the advance of General Sherman's army.
The burning didn't halt Sherman -- he ordered the construction of a floating bridge built from timber cut at the Saluda Mill, located a few hundred yards upstream.
Today, four granite abutments remain from the original bridge and can be seen on each side of the river and the islands in between.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Covered Bridges series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1819.
Location. 34° 0.534′ N, 81° 4.554′ W. Marker is in Columbia, South Carolina, in Richland County. It is in Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. It can be reached from Wildlife Parkway. Marker is located on the grounds of Riverbanks Zoo & Gardens, at the eastern end of the walking bridge that spans the Saluda River and connects the Zoo with the Gardens. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia SC 29210, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Midlands. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. 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 10 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Old Saluda River Bridge (a few steps from this marker); Stark's Ferry (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct
this page online
Also see . . .
1. Saluda River. The Saluda River is a principal tributary of the Congaree River, about 200 mi (320 km) long, in northern and western South Carolina in the United States. (Submitted on July 25, 2011, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)
2. William Tecumseh Sherman. William Tecumseh Sherman (February 8, 1820 – February 14, 1891) was an American soldier, businessman, educator and author. (Submitted on July 25, 2011, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)
3. Riverbanks Zoo & Gardens. Official site of Riverbanks Zoo & Gardens. (Submitted on July 25, 2011, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)
Photographed by Brian Scott, May 30, 2009
2. A Bridge to the Past Marker
Seen in Far Left on Bridge Rail
Seen in Far Left on Bridge Rail
Additional commentary.
1. A Bridge to the Past marker is wrong.
They marker's text reads four abutments. Bridges only have two abutments. One on each end on the river bank. The stones in the river are called Piers and not abutments. So two abutments and two piers.
— Submitted July 19, 2013, by Dean Hunt of Lexington, South Carolina.
Photographed by Brian Scott, May 30, 2009
3. Walking Bridge
East End Looking West
East End Looking West
Photographed by Brian Scott, May 30, 2009
4. Island as Mentioned
Photographed by Brian Scott, May 30, 2009
5. Saluda River
Looking Northwest
Looking Northwest
Credits. This page was last revised on January 24, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 25, 2011, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,720 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 25, 2011, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.
