The bridge survived an attempt by Union forces to burn it during the American Civil War.

However, their efforts were thwarted by a Lieutenant Smith, who along with members of a naval battalion, brought the rafts to shore.

This swing-span drawbridge used a 156-foot (48 m)-long steel-truss which left little room for even small vessels to pass beneath unless it was open.

[3] This bridge is named after Paul Gelegotis, a James Island businessman and politician who started the EMS ambulance service in South Carolina in 1973.

[2][3] As a result of increased traffic flow and speed over the new bridge, Charleston is considering spending approximately two million dollars to build a tunnel beneath the bridge approach ramps so golf carts and pedestrians are able to safely cross.