|
New Bridge at Rozzelle's Ferry
Ever since the band of federal troops called "Stoneman's
Raiders" burned the key bridge over the Catawaba River at Rozelle's
Ferry in 1865, citizens and and especially Charlotte merchants clamored
for a new bridge to Lincoln and Gaston Counties. Finally, in 1910, this
shining four-span steel bridge, 612 feet long and 16 feet wide, opened.
Built on rock piers from the old Civil War-era bridge at a cost of
$15,000, it rose 28 feet above low-water level, higher than the old span.
"thus ensuring safety against floods." But in the great flood of
1916, all bridges across the Catawba between Charlotte and Asheville were swept
away with the riverbank cotton mills, homes, cattle, and barns. Eighty
people died in this disaster. |
