Florida, the Sunshine State of America, is not only famous for its beautiful beaches and vibrant theme parks but also boasts a rich historical heritage, reflected in its ancient bridges. These bridges are not merely architectural structures; they are historical witnesses, connecting the past and present, and offering unique and memorable travel experiences. Join “Du lịch khắp thế gian” to explore the famous historical bridges in Florida, where you can admire architectural beauty, learn about history, and enjoy stunning natural landscapes.
These bridges are not just means of transportation but also symbols of resilience, creativity, and the spirit of community connection among Floridians.
Seven Mile Bridge – A Timeless Icon
The Seven Mile Bridge is one of the most famous bridges in the Florida Keys. This bridge is not only a vital transportation route, connecting Marathon FL to the Lower Keys, but also a tourist icon, attracting visitors with its unique architectural beauty and spectacular natural scenery.
Seven Mile Bridge in Florida is a highway over the waterSeven Mile Bridge in Florida is a highway over the water
History of Formation and Development
The Seven Mile Bridge has two versions: the Old Bridge and the New Bridge. The Old Bridge, originally called the Knights Key Bridge, was built in the early 1900s as part of Henry Flagler’s Overseas Railroad. This railway, also known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” was an ambitious project, spanning miles of water to connect the islands of the Florida Keys.
After being damaged by a hurricane, the Old Bridge was no longer used for motorized traffic but became a route for pedestrians and cyclists. The New Bridge, completed in the 1980s, runs parallel to the Old Bridge, ensuring smooth traffic flow between the islands.
Unique Experiences on the Seven Mile Bridge
Today, visitors can experience the Seven Mile Bridge in various ways:
- Driving on the New Bridge: Enjoy the sensation of driving on a highway in the middle of the sea, admiring the vast ocean and beautiful islands.
- Walking or Cycling on the Old Bridge: Stroll or cycle leisurely on the Old Bridge, breathing in the fresh air and admiring the surrounding scenery. The Old Bridge has been renovated and reopened to pedestrians and cyclists since January 2022.
- Visiting Pigeon Key: Take a tram to Pigeon Key, a small island that was once home to 400 bridge construction workers. Here, you can learn about the history of bridge construction and the lives of the workers.
The Seven Mile Bridge in Florida was originally built in 1912 for railway traffic.The Seven Mile Bridge in Florida was originally built in 1912 for railway traffic.
Explore Diverse Ecosystems
From the bridge, you can observe the diverse marine ecosystem of the Florida Keys. Look down into the clear blue water, and you might see dolphins, rays, sharks, sea turtles, and many other tropical fish. In the sky, pelicans, ibises, ospreys, seagulls, and herons soar, creating a vivid and attractive natural picture.
See Fred the Tree – A Symbol of Life
Another interesting point when visiting the Seven Mile Bridge is seeing Fred the Tree. This is an Australian pine tree growing on the old railway foundation, east of Pigeon Key. Fred the Tree has survived and grown for many years, becoming a symbol of the resilient spirit of the Florida Keys people, especially after surviving Hurricane Irma in 2017.
People and tourists in the Florida Keys walk, run, bike, and rollerblade along a section of the Old Seven Mile Bridge.People and tourists in the Florida Keys walk, run, bike, and rollerblade along a section of the Old Seven Mile Bridge.
Lions Bridge – Architectural Beauty and History
The Lions Bridge is another iconic bridge in Florida. Located in St. Augustine, this bridge is not only a vital transportation structure, connecting the city with Anastasia Island, but also a fascinating tourist destination, attracting visitors with its unique architectural beauty and long history.
History of Formation and Development
The Lions Bridge was built in the 1920s, replacing an old wooden bridge. The bridge was designed in the Spanish Renaissance architectural style, with two white marble lion statues placed at both ends of the bridge. These statues are the work of Italian sculptor G. L. Ruggeri and became symbols of the bridge.
The Lions Bridge is a drawbridge that can lift its middle section to allow boats to pass. The bridge has undergone several repairs and upgrades but still retains its original architectural beauty.
Tourist Experiences at the Lions Bridge
When visiting the Lions Bridge, tourists can:
- Admire Unique Architecture: Admire the Spanish Renaissance architectural beauty of the bridge, with intricate decorative details and two majestic lion statues.
- Walk or Cycle on the Bridge: Enjoy the fresh air and admire the stunning scenery of St. Augustine and Anastasia Island.
- Take Souvenir Photos: The Lions Bridge is an ideal place for photography, with beautiful and unique perspectives.
- Visit Nearby Tourist Attractions: The Lions Bridge is located near many other famous tourist attractions in St. Augustine, such as the Castillo de San Marcos, the Old Quarter, and the Lightner Museum.
Acosta Bridge – Connecting Modernity and the Past
The Acosta Bridge is a modern bridge located in Jacksonville, Florida. Although not as ancient as the Seven Mile Bridge or the Lions Bridge, the Acosta Bridge is still an important part of the city’s history and culture.
History of Formation and Development
The Acosta Bridge was built in the 1930s, replacing an old pontoon bridge. The bridge is named after St. Elmo Acosta, a prominent physician and politician in Jacksonville.
The Acosta Bridge is a vertical lift bridge, which can lift its middle section to allow boats to pass. The bridge has undergone several repairs and upgrades but remains one of Jacksonville’s icons.
Tourist Experiences at the Acosta Bridge
When visiting the Acosta Bridge, tourists can:
- Admire Modern Architecture: Admire the modern architectural beauty of the bridge, with its strong lines and bright colors.
- Walk or Cycle on the Bridge: Enjoy the fresh air and admire the scenery of the St. Johns River and the city of Jacksonville.
- Visit Nearby Tourist Attractions: The Acosta Bridge is located near many other famous tourist attractions in Jacksonville, such as the Museum of Science & History, the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts, and TIAA Bank Field.
Conclusion
The historical bridges in Florida are not just unique architectural structures but also historical witnesses, carrying profound stories and cultural values. Exploring these bridges is a wonderful way to learn about Florida’s history, culture, and nature, while enjoying unique and memorable travel experiences. Come to Florida and discover the famous historical bridges to feel the beauty and charm of this land.