To spot the Richard V. Woods Memorial Bridge, look out across the water for a long, grey bridge with a tall arched center section stretching toward Lady’s Island-its metal structure rises above the marsh, easy to see even from the grassy waterfront.
Now, get ready for a story with a little swing-literally! You’re standing at the foot of the Richard V. Woods Memorial Bridge, the legendary “Woods Bridge” that’s been connecting Beaufort to the Sea Islands since 1959. Let’s imagine you’re here on a sun-bright morning, the air thick with salt and the call of gulls overhead. Suddenly, the bridge operator steps into the little booth in the middle of the span. The metal bridge slowly swings aside on its central pier, making way for a proud sailboat with a mast too tall to pass beneath. This isn’t just any ordinary bridge-it’s a swing bridge, a rare sight these days, and it opens up frequently for boats winding their way along the busy Intracoastal Waterway.
But the bridge has more tales to share! It’s named for officer Richard V. Woods, a local hero, after he was lost in the line of duty-a tribute that keeps his memory alive every single day. And here’s a bit of Hollywood magic: if you feel like you’ve seen this bridge somewhere else, you probably have. It starred in Forrest Gump, playing the part of a Mississippi River crossing while Forrest fielded questions from TV reporters during his famous run. And as of 2023, it’s an official star on the National Register of Historic Places.
So whether you’re waiting for the bridge to swing, reliving a movie moment, or just soaking up river breezes, remember-every crossing here comes with a little bit of history and a whole lot of Beaufort charm!
