John M. Bates Bridge
Named in 1979 in honor
of
prominent public spirited
citizen of this section
(Born 1871 Died 1924)
for his many contributions
to highway transportation
During early 1900,s he led
several highway location parties.
He personally financed, built
and managed Bates Ferry across
Congaree River about one mile
upstream from here 1910-1922.
Culminating a lifelong dream,
he organized Richland - Calhoun
Bridge Commission in 1921 and
arranged financing, secured permit
to span the river and supervised
construction of Bates Ferry Toll
Bridge connecting Richland and
Calhoun counties, completed in
1923 and a forerunner of this
present bridge.
Marker is on McCords Ferry Road (U.S. 601), on the right when traveling south.
Courtesy hmdb.org
