Richland County SC Cultural Resources Inventory Listing
Gervais Street Bridge
209 Gervais St. Columbia SC 29202
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Description: One of four open spandrel arch bridges, the Gervais Street Bridge represents an early use of reinforced concrete for bridge construction in South Carolina. Its cast iron pedestals and lamps were designed by the United States Treasury Department and features the palmetto and crescent design from the state flag. From 1928 until 1953, the Gervais Street Bridge was the only Columbia Congaree River bridge, and is the earliest and most decorative of the three bridges that now cross the river.
Historical Topics: Bridge, Congaree River, Ferry Service, Architecture, Engineering, Civil War, Sherman
One of four open spandrel arch bridges of reinforced concrete in South Carolina, the Gervais Street Bridge spans the Congaree River and links Columbia to the western and southern parts of the state.
At the time of its construction, begun in February 1926 and completed in June 1928, the bridge had the widest roadway in the state. From 1928 until 1953, the Gervais Street Bridge was the only bridge over the Congaree River in Columbia and is the earliest and most decorative of the three bridges that now cross the river.
The site historically has served bridges and ferries. Ferry service was first replaced about 1791 by a toll bridge. A subsequent wooden bridge completed about 1827 was burned in 1865 to delay General W. T. Sherman’s army.
The rebuilt bridge was privately owned until 1912 when it was purchased by Richland County in cooperation with Lexington County. The 1415-foot reinforced concrete bridge was constructed by Hardaway Contracting Company of Columbus, Georgia. It cost $597,167 to construct.
The bridge was designed by Joseph W. Barnwell of Charleston, bridge engineer for the State Highway Department.
Above the flanking balustrades on the bridge are cast iron light fixtures. The decorative fixtures have the letter C and a palmetto on the bases, a vine pattern on the eight-sided post, and an acanthus leaf design on the necking.
Listed in the National Register November 25, 1980.
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Primary Historic Use / Function: : Transportation
Secondary Historic Use / Function: Road Related
Present Uses / Functions: Transportation
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Space Available:NoCommercialOfficeResidential
Source: National Register of Historic Places Inventory Nomination Form; South Carolina Department of Archives and History (digital images); Columbia Multiple Resource Area Nomination Form (MPS008); Library of Congress. Historic American Engineering Record (HAER)black and white images.