Columbus Marks Grand Reopening of Historic Tombigbee Pedestrian Bridge

Columbus Celebrates the Reopening of the Tombigbee Pedestrian Bridge

Exciting news, Columbus residents! This Sunday afternoon, we will gather to celebrate the grand reopening of the Tombigbee Pedestrian Bridge. With a delightful ribbon-cutting ceremony, it’s a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together and enjoy this beloved walkway once more.

A Bridge with a Backstory

It’s hard to believe that it has been nearly four years since a wayward barge broke free from its tow, floating down the old channel and resulting in damage to our bridge. The good news is that extensive repairs have now been completed, restoring the bridge to its former glory! Its reopening isn’t just about physical access—it’s about reconnecting with a piece of our city’s history.

Did You Know? The Bridge is Often Misnamed

Many locals refer to the bridge as the “1928 Bridge.” However, here’s a fun fact: it actually opened its doors to traffic on May 15, 1927! Over the past couple of weeks, discussions about name origins and the occasional mix-up that has circulated among our community have taken place. Such discussions help keep our local lore alive.

The Importance of Names

Names carry stories. They preserve the narrative of a place and its culture, reminding us of the rich tapestry of our shared history. The origins of geographical and cultural names in our area are a fascinating topic to delve into.

Local Name Origins That Fascinate

Let’s explore some local names that hold intriguing stories:

• Mississippi: Often thought to be derived from the Indian phrase meaning “Father of Waters,” it may come from two Choctaw words translating to “Place of Foreign Languages” or “river beyond old.”
• Possum Town: A quaint quirk of history! According to Keeler’s 1848 history, the quirky entertainment style of local resident Spirus Roach captured the affection of neighbors, leading them to name it after his family’s peculiarities.
• Columbus: Named in 1819 by Silas McBee, our town was officially recognized by the Alabama Legislature shortly after. How fitting that a booming settlement would adopt such a notable name!
• Tombigbee: Originally called the “River of the Chicasa,” the name evolved to “Tombigbee,” rooted in the Choctaw for “box maker,” a nod to a local artisan.

Eclectic Place Names

We also have some unusual yet captivating names like Coal Fire Creek, which once bore the name Cold Fire Creek. Early settlers described the icy waters as burning when crossing—talk about mixed signals! And then there’s Wolfe Road, which tells a tale of howling wilderness dominated by predatory wolves. Its earlier name, Wolf Road, reminds us of those wild days in Columbus history.

A Weekend to Look Forward To

So mark your calendars for Sunday afternoon, Columbus! The reopening of the Tombigbee Pedestrian Bridge symbolizes a link to our shared stories and heritage. Here’s to the narratives that brighten our community!