Eau Gallie Bridge to the Beach

Photographed By Jamie Cox, February 11, 2012

1. Eau Gallie Bridge to the Beach Marker

Inscription. The first wooden bridge from Eau Gallie to "Eau Gallie Beach" was started in 1924. The bridge was formally opened in February 1926. Soon after John R. Mathers began plans to build a bridge from the barrier island to the tip of Merritt Island. That bridge, spanning the Banana River was completed in 1927.

The Eau Gallie bridge frequently caught fire. Joe Wickham, who was chief of the volunteer fire department, recalled that during one period the bridge caught fire 16 times in a two week period. The fire engine's brakes failed on one occasion as it went across the bridge. It slammed into the palmettos on the other side.

Wickham resigned as fire chief after having his sleep disturbed so frequently.

The first wooden bridge was replaced with a bridge/causeway in 1955 and dedicated to Dr. W. J. Creel, a pioneer physician. The present bridge was completed in 1988.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Bridges & Viaducts. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1926.

Location. Marker is missing. It was located near 28° 7.85′ N, 80° 37.431′ W. Marker was in Melbourne, Florida, in Brevard County. Marker was on Eau Gallie Boulevard (State Road 518), on the right. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Melbourne FL 32935, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least

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8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Harbor City Hotel (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); Eau Gallie Public Library (approx. 0.2 miles away); Population on the Rise (approx. 0.2 miles away); Corner of Highland and Eau Gallie Blvd. (approx. 0.2 miles away); James Wadswsorth Rossetter House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Downtown Eau Gallie (approx. 0.2 miles away); The James W. Rossetter House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Roesch House (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Melbourne.

More about this marker. Although the marker can be seen from the road, the only safe way to visit and read the marker is by foot or bicycle from the sidewalk. There is no place to park or pull off near the marker. Traffic is one way on the divided highway. When you reach the marker by car, you are already committed to driving across the bridge.

Additional keywords. Indian River Lagoon

Approaching the Bridge Eastbound image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Jamie Cox, February 11, 2012

2. Approaching the Bridge Eastbound

The Eau Gallie Causeway Bridge image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Jamie Cox, December 28, 2009

3. The Eau Gallie Causeway Bridge

The Marker is Missing image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Jamie Cox, August 4, 2014

4. The Marker is Missing

Missing as of Aug 4, 2014.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on February 12, 2012, by Jamie Cox of Melbourne, Florida. This page has been viewed 1,565 times since then and 39 times this year. Last updated on August 4, 2014, by Jamie Cox of Melbourne, Florida. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 12, 2012, by Jamie Cox of Melbourne, Florida. 4. submitted on August 4, 2014, by Jamie Cox of Melbourne, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.