Most visitors know Poinsett Bridge as South Carolina’s oldest surviving bridge. Few realize it carried traffic for more than 135 years and was once part of an ambitious highway project designed to connect Charleston to the mountains. Here’s the forgotten story behind one of the Upstate’s most remarkable landmarks.
Hidden deep in the woods of northern Greenville County, Poinsett Bridge has earned a reputation as one of South Carolina’s most haunted places. From tales of a murdered stonemason and mysterious shadow figures to unexplained lights beneath the historic arch, discover the legends, ghost stories, and local folklore that have surrounded this 206-year-old landmark for generations.
Poinsett Bridge remains closed while restoration work continues beyond the original reopening date. We recently visited the site to see the progress and take a closer look at the preservation efforts underway on South Carolina’s oldest surviving bridge.