Crossing the wide mouth of the Cooper River from Charleston to Mount Pleasant is an activity that has captivated the Lowcountry for ages. Most people can remember the two previous bridges that were utilized for decades (you can see footage of driving across the narrow Grace Memorial bridge here).
In 2003, construction began on the replacement bridge, the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, and the entire community watched it grow. One person, in particular, Frank Starmer, documented most of the highlights of construction. Take a look at 13 rare photos below, including a look at the secret signature tablet hidden somewhere on the bridge!
1. The first anchors are in place on the West Tower (the tower nearest to downtown Charleston).
4. An upclose look at a tendon and the approximately 40 individual cables inside the tendon. At left, a crew member stands in front of one of the elevators.