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Foreground -
Veteran's Memorial Bridge
The Rainbow Bridge (right) built in 1938
TE Photo, May 2003 |
History in
a Pecan Shell
Bridge City was
originally Prairie View, Texas. A name now more closely identified
with Prairie View A & M University near Hempstead,
Texas.
The change of name occurred when the bridge (connecting Port
Arthur with Orange
County) over the Neches
River was constructed.
The estimated population was 3,000 in 1952. The Rainbow Bridge which
has become one-way with the completion of the Veterans Memorial Bridge,
is still the dominant landmark for the area. |
The Rainbow
Bridge
"The Rainbow
Bridge is the tallest bridge in the state and for many years was the
tallest in the nation. What is more interesting is why it is so tall.
At the time the bridge was built there was a law that stated that
any bridge built over navigable waters must accomodate the tallest
ship in the Navy. At the time, the tallest ship was a dirigible tender
which had an extremely tall mast for the mooring of dirigibles."
- Jack Williams, September 13, 2003 |
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View of the
Rainbow Bridge from Veteran's Memorial Bridge
(professional driver on closed course - do not attempt)
TE Photo,
May 2003
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A 1950s era
Neon Sign in Bridge City
TE Photo,
May 2003
More Texas Old Neon
|
| Texas
Escapes, in its purpose to preserve historic, endangered and vanishing
Texas, asks that anyone wishing to share their local history
and vintage/historic photos, please contact
us. |
|
|
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