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BRIDGE CITY,
TEXASOrange County,
Gulf Coast / East Texas
Highways 73/87
FM 1442
22 Miles SE of Beaumont
Population 8,651(2000) 8,010 (1990)
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Foreground - Veteran's Memorial Bridge
The Rainbow Bridge (right) built in 1938
Photo by John Troesser |
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View
of the Rainbow Bridge from Veteran's Memorial Bridge
(professional driver on closed course - do not attempt)
Photo by John Troesser |
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.
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A 1950s era Neon Sign in Bridge City
Photo by John Troesser |
Bridge
City Texas Forum
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
Anyone wishing to share history or photos of pre-1950 Bridge City,
Texas - please contact
us
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Troesser |
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