Bridgetender's House: A Riverside Witness to History

Perched on a bluff overlooking the Alabama River, the Bridgetender's House is a charming reminder of Selma's history. Built in 1884, this modest cottage was home to the bridgetender, who manually operated the swing bridge that once spanned the river. The bridgetender's job was a 24/7 responsibility, requiring them to open and close the bridge for river traffic. In 1940, the original swing bridge was replaced by the Edmund Pettus Bridge, an iconic landmark in its own right. The old bridge was demolished, but its cornerstone remains visible from the Bridgetender's House. The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a contributing property to the Water Avenue Historic District. The Bridgetender's House has witnessed over a century of history, including the 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery Voting Rights March. Today, the cottage offers stunning views of the river and the Edmund Pettus Bridge, providing visitors with a unique perspective on Selma's past and present.