The Tallest Bridges in Texas Are Loving Tributes to Military Vets
When traveling to Port Arthur to Bridge City, Texas on I-73, there's a good chance that while driving, you'll come across the biggest bridges in Texas. The Rainbow Bridge stands at 177 feet tall while the Veterans Memorial Bridge stands at 143 feet tall, making them the largest bridges in the state, a record that has been there since 1938. But the other thing that makes these bridges special is who they're dedicated to.
If you've never seen the Texas Rainbow & Veterans Memorial bridges, here's what they look like.
If you think the drone footage of the bridges is crazy, wait 'til you see what the bridge looks like while DRIVING.
Now the bridges LOOK gnarly but they're not so bad once you've driven on them. The reason WHY the bridges were so big was because the Texas State High Department need to make sure there was enough clearance to bring ships into Beaumont, Texas.
Who are the Texas Rainbow Bridge & Veterans Memorial Bridges dedicated to?
Originally named the Port Arthur-Orange Bridge, the Rainbow Bridge actually got its name from a 6 year old girl, named Christy McClintock, after she won a naming contest in 1957 sponsored by the Lions Club.
The Veterans Memorial Bridge was named after...well the U.S. military veterans. If you travel to the foot of the bridges, you'll find the Golden Triangle Veterans Memorial Park at 7626 Gulfway Dr, Port Arthur, TX 77642. In addition to various military vehicles on display, there are over 10,000 names of service men & women who have served in the military are all honored at the Park. The park is also open through out the whole year.
May these giant Texas bridges stand tall & proud, not just for the state, but for the brave soldiers who fought for our country.
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