American Scientist

The most talked-about cable-stayed bridge in North America these days is one that provides a modern crossing of the Cooper River at Charleston, South Carolina. With a record-setting span of 1,546 feet between its diamond-shaped towers, the new bridge has replaced an obsolete pair of cantilever trusses that were considered by many to be dangerous and ugly. But the aging bridges themselves were landmarks dear to the hearts of many a sentimental Charlestonian, who viewed their demise with mixed feelings. This should not have been a surprise in a city so steeped in history and tradition.