Exploring Pitt Street in Mt. Pleasant, SC
Want to get away from the hustle and bustle of downtown? Then head on over to Mount Pleasant and plan an afternoon around Pitt Street.
First, plan to stop in at Pitt Street Pharmacy for a good old fashioned soda, where kids and teens have carved their names into the old black soda fountain counter for years. Keep an eye out, you may catch a glimpse of the cast from the hit Netflix show Outer Banks. Several of the scenes were shot, right here, on Pitt Street.
Next, take a walk or bike ride down Pitt Street to see some of the most amazing homes in the historic Old Village. End your sightseeing adventure at the famous Pitt Street Bridge. I may be biased, but some of the most stunning sunsets over the Charleston Harbor and skyline take place at the historic Pitt Street Bridge.
Originally called the Cove Inlet Bridge, or Gadsden's Bridge, it was the first bridge that connected the mainland and Sullivan's Island. It was built back in 1778 during the Revolutionary War under the supervision of one of Charleston's great patriots, Christopher Gadsden, who also designed the iconic "Don't Tread on Me" flag. The bridge was designed to support William Moultrie's troops, horses, and cannons to access Fort Sullivan, later gaining its title as Fort Moultrie. Fast forward to 1804, and only the supports remain.
For the majority of the 19th century, the only way to access Sullivan's Island was by boat. However, some mighty businessmen came to the rescue in 1897. These entrepreneurs purchased the neighboring island just north of Sullivan's, called Long Island, for a whopping $50,000. They formed a plan to transfer Long Island into one of the most popular resorts, similar to New York's Coney Island. They then decided on a new exotic name, Isle of Palms.
One big problem stood in the way: how would they provide access to the island?
Established was a dedicated ferry boat service between Charleston and Mount Pleasant, and one of the most modern inventions of that time, an electric railway. Come 1923, the wooden bridge was widened to allow room for automobiles. Five years later, the trolley was no longer needed and the bridge was dedicated only as a vehicular bridge, earning its name: Pitt Street Bridge.
By 1936, the bridge was no longer safe or functional. This is when Pitt Street Bridge's big brother, Ben Sawyer Bridge, was decided upon. We then said goodbye to the Pitt Street Bridge over Cove Inlet, as it was dismantled. Today remains the old bridge supports, which are still standing with a wooden walkway and a pier that’s coveted by fisherman, children, romantics, locals and tourists.
Take a stroll through the park and down the remainder of the bridge to catch not only a refreshing breath of salty air, but also unbeatable views of the marsh, wildlife, Charleston Harbor and, my favorite, a picture perfect sunset.
End the night by heading over to Post House Inn. Built in 1896, the inn features a highly sought out downstairs restaurant and seven bedrooms on the second floor for the perfect history-filled romantic getaway. The inn has just recently been completely renovated, but still holds every ounce of charm.
So, what are you waiting for?
Grab your dog, your fishing pole, and a picnic basket… and head on over to Pitt Street!
Interested in buying a home in the Charleston area?
Want all the latest news and events delivered to your inbox?
Follow Us On Social!
©Lively Charleston
What does Lively Charleston exist to do?
We create fun, engaging, and informational content to tell the stories of the people, places and business in our amazing city.
We assist our clients in buying, selling, and investing in real estate.
We buy, renovate, and resell single family homes & multi-family properties.
We buy, renovate, and hold single family homes & multi-family properties.
We help our clients & our team build long-term wealth through real estate.