Etowah Memorial Bridge - Gadsden, Alabama

Open-spandrel concrete arch bridges are beautiful sights that date back to an earlier era of bridge building. A commonly-used bridge-building style during the early 20th century, many of these bridges are nearly a century old and are gradually disappearing.

The many open-spandrel arches of the Etowah Memorial Bridge.

However, in Gadsden, Alabama - a nearly 100-year-old bridge of this grand style is a stoic piece of the city's fabric. Opened in 1927, this 1,094-foot-long bridge spans the Coosa River as a tribute to Etowah County citizens that served in the First World War.

The Coosa Riverwalk leads you directly to the Etowah Memorial Bridge.

Construction of the bridge began in 1925 - the same year East Gadsden was annexed as part of the city. The new bridge cost $400,000 to construct - and carries Broad Street over the river.

The Riverwalk allows you to get up close and personal with the bridge.

The Etowah Memorial Bridge is a focal point of Gadsden's new Riverwalk at Coosa Landing. Here a multi-use path runs underneath the bridge and along the Coosa River. The Riverwalk includes boat landings, opportunities to fish or bird watch, plus connects to other riverfront attractions.

All photos taken by post author - March 16, 2023.

Sources & Links:

Etowah Memorial Bridge ---Greater Gadsden Area Tourism
Bridge a memorial to war heroes ---The Gadsden Times
Etowah Memorial Bridge ---My Personal Flickr Set

How To Get There:

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