The Enigmatic Past Of The 1820 Poinsett Bridge In Landrum, SC

Nestled within the forests of South Carolina, yet not far from a bustling highway, lies the oldest bridge in the state—and possibly the entire East Coast. This 130-foot long structure, completed in 1820, is attributed to the talented architect Robert Mills, who is also known for designing the iconic Washington Monument. The centerpiece of the bridge features an impressive 14-foot gothic arch, the true beauty of which can only be appreciated up close. Additionally, visitors report a unique and eerie atmosphere surrounding the bridge, making it one of the intriguing haunted locations in South Carolina.

Originally built to link the thoroughfare between Columbia and Saluda Mountain, the bridge has not welcomed vehicles for many decades, allowing nature to reclaim its surroundings.

alt
TripAdvisor/Veronesi413

Nestled within a vast 120-acre nature preserve lies a six-acre area steeped in eerie folklore, said to be the most haunted section of the entire expanse. This small but intriguing piece of land has drawn the attention of thrill-seekers and ghost enthusiasts alike, eager to uncover its chilling secrets.

alt
TripAdvisor/NaCl1

The park, overseen by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), is accessible to everyone at no charge. Nestled in a picturesque environment, it offers a serene atmosphere. However, not all visitors experience a feeling of tranquility when exploring this historic site.

alt
TripAdvisor/Diane D

The stories surrounding the hauntings at Poinsett Bridge often take place under the cover of night or during the late hours when darkness has fully descended.

A misty stone archway in a forest, illuminated by soft light, with a stream flowing nearby and autumn leaves scattered.
Cavan Images/Getty Images

Visitors to a haunted bridge in South Carolina have reported capturing enigmatic orbs in their photographs, regardless of whether they visited during the day or at night. In the realm of the paranormal, orbs are often recognized as dynamic energy forms, frequently linked to ghostly presence or supernatural occurrences.

alt
Flickr/Joyarogers

Visitors to the bridge have claimed to experience the sensation of a ghostly hand reaching out to them.

A ghostly hand reaches out from a dark, smoky background, creating a mysterious and eerie atmosphere.
FOTOKITA/Getty Images

Some individuals have reported witnessing ghostly white figures roaming the grounds, even during nighttime. Additionally, numerous people have shared experiences where their cars inexplicably stall after they are turned off in the parking lot.

alt
Flickr/Simone Stefanini • 6 •

Numerous paranormal investigation groups have ventured into the preserve after dark to conduct their research. In a recent exploration, they captured a staggering 400 photographs, with 100 of those featuring unusual anomalies that are believed to be of a paranormal nature.

alt
Flickr/PRONathan Eaton Jr.

INSIDER magazine has recently highlighted South Carolina’s Poinsett Bridge as one of the 40 most haunted sites in the United States. This iconic bridge can be found along Callahan Mountain Road in Landrum, South Carolina.

Have you ever encountered something out of the ordinary at this historic landmark? We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences!

Should you decide to check out this bridge and experience its famed reputation firsthand, consider reserving a nearby Vrbo for some relaxation afterward. The quaint town of Landrum, SC, has plenty of charm and is worth exploring, making it a great idea to extend your visit to a weekend getaway by booking a few nights.

TRENDING NOW

LATEST LOCAL NEWS