You can tell that this is a cool place because everyone tries to claim it. Depending on what you are reading it is either in Greer, Landrum, Traveler’s Rest, Northern Spartanburg, or Greenville. I don’t know, but I plan to go back in the fall for some colorful photos!
The Poinsett Bridge was built in 1820 and is thought to be the oldest bridge in South Carolina, and possibly the entire Southeastern United States. It is believed that it was designed by the architect who built the Washington Monument, Robert Mills, but all the records were destroyed so this can’t be verified. The date 1820 is carved into the keystone of the 14-foot Gothic arch, so at least we have that.
The bridge spans Little Gap Creek and is 130 feet in length. It is constructed from locally quarried stone and is on the old State Road that ran from Charleston and Columbia to the Saluda Mountain.
The Poinsett Bridge is named for Joel R. Poinsett. Poinsett was a native South Carolinian, and a career politician. He was also a botanist, physician, and is best known as the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico. In 1825, he introduced everyone’s favorite Christmas plant to the United States, the Poinsettia.
Nearly every old bridge is claimed to be haunted, and the Poinsett Bridge is no exception. One story is that it is haunted by the ghost of a lynched slave. Another claim revolves around Indians and a lost burial ground and a third involves a stone mason that died during the bridges construction. I can’t stay awake late enough to verify any of these, but if you’re feeling adventurous let me know how it goes.
The bridge is about a half hour drive from downtown Spartanburg and is easily accessible from the parking area. You can walk across the bridge, and you can get to the creek below by way of an easy set of steps. If you are in the area, be sure to allot some time to visit Campbell’s Covered Bridge, which is just a short drive away. And don’t forget your camera!
Oh yeah! If you know of any cool places in the Upstate, drop me a note in the comments. Thanks!