Bridge City, Texas. (original) (raw)

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

View of the Rainbow Bridge from Veteran's Memorial Bridge
(professional driver on closed course - do not attempt)
TE Photo, May 2003

A 1950s era Neon Sign in Bridge City
TE Photo, May 2003
More Texas Old Neon

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