Bridge City celebrates 47 years
Published 8:20 am Saturday, July 8, 2017
Photo courtesy of Bridge City Chamber of Commerce
Photo courtesy of Bridge City Chamber of Commerce
Photo courtesy of Bridge City Chamber of Commerce
Photo courtesy of Bridge City Chamber of Commerce
Photo courtesy of Bridge City Chamber of Commerce
Special to The Leader
Bridge City’s celebrated 47th year of incorporation on Friday, July 7.
Prior to 1941, Bridge City was known as Prairie View, but took on the name Bridge City after Prairie View School District merged with Winfree School District to become Bridge City Common School District.
Almost 20 years later, the citizens of Bridge City took their first vote for incorporation on July 22, 1961 and the proposal was defeated. Another vote for incorporation was held in October of that year which was also defeated.
Rumors of Bridge City being divided in half by Orange and Port Arthur gave the citizens a reason for a third vote for incorporation held on July 7, 1970 and this time it passed making Bridge City a general law city.
The first mayor was Preston M. “Red” Wood who narrowly won by 3 votes over Jay Eshbach.
Over the years since incorporation, Bridge City continues to grow and evolve.
Bridge City has lots to offer citizens and visitors such as the historical museum, community center, senior citizens center, public library, park, and splash pad.
The Bridge City Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the city and local businesses, hosts the annual Christmas Light Parade, Taste of the Bayou, National Night Out, Golf Tournament, Mother of the Year, Father of the Year, Citizen of the Year, and Business of the Year as well as biennial events Celebrity Roast and Murder Mystery Dinner.
“Whether you are looking for a great place to eat, shop, fish or just visit, we invite everyone to come to Bridge City,” Chamber Director B. J. Hanneman said. “Cuisine ranges from traditional Cajun, Mexican, Cuban, Italian, Bar-B-Que, clean/healthy meals, made from scratch treats, ice-cream and more. You can find a wide variety of things to choose from when shopping in Bridge City such as antiques, local honey, formal or casual attire, baby gifts, business cards, furniture, and much more.”
