Captain Poo & the Little River Swing Bridge

Captain Archie Neil "Poo" McLauchlin

The Little River Swing Bridge in South Carolina was renamed the Captain Archie Neil "Poo" McLauchlin Swing Bridge on April 14, 2018, to honor Captain Archie Neil "Poo" McLauchlin, a prominent figure in the local maritime community.

Born on May 16, 1935 in Florence, SC, he was the son of the late Charles H. and Susie Smith McLauchlin.

He was a graduate of Wampee High School, Class of 1954. After serving his country proudly in the United States Air Force and USAF Reserves from 1955 to 1962, he returned home to continue his boating career.

Hatteras and Slane Marine kept him busy throughout the years running their vessels. Captain Poo was well known up and down the East Coast throughout the boating community. When he wasn’t fishing or delivering boats, he was spending time under the Oak tree in Little River with many of his local captain friends. He was the first Dockmaster of Palmetto Shores Marina, later opening Palmetto Yacht and Fishing Club.

Captain Poo was instrumental in starting the Intracoastal Christmas Regatta and Yachts for Tots. He has competed in and won many Marlin and King Mackerel tournaments. In 2018, Little River Swing Bridge was renamed Captain Archie Neil “Poo” McLauchlin (Little River) Swing Bridge in honor of Captain Poo.

CAPTAIN ARCHIE’S | MEMORIAL PAGE

The Little River Swing Bridge, located in Little River, South Carolina, is a historic structure that has long been an important part of the region's transportation network and cultural identity. Here’s an overview of its history:

Construction and Design:

1. Date of Construction:

   • The Little River Swing Bridge was constructed in 1935 as part of a larger effort to improve transportation infrastructure in the region during the Great Depression. Projects like this were often funded through federal initiatives such as the New Deal.

2. Structure and Functionality:

   • The bridge is a swing-span bridge, meaning its central section rotates horizontally to allow boats to pass through the waterway beneath it.

   • It spans the Intracoastal Waterway, which was completed in the 1930s to create a navigable route along the eastern United States coastline. The bridge became essential for connecting Little River with nearby communities and facilitating maritime and vehicular traffic.

3. Materials and Engineering:

   • Built with steel and concrete, the bridge reflects the engineering techniques of its time, designed to handle both road traffic and the increasing number of vessels traveling the Intracoastal Waterway.

2000+ Swings A Year | 87 Feet Horizontal Clearance | 3 - 12+ Feet Vertical Clearance

Historical Significance:

1. Economic Impact:

   • The bridge supported the development of Little River as a fishing and boating hub, linking it more effectively to markets and neighboring towns.

   • It also facilitated tourism by providing easy access to the Grand Strand and Myrtle Beach areas, helping establish Little River as a popular destination for recreational fishing and water sports.

2. Role in Maritime Navigation:

   • As a swing bridge, it played a key role in ensuring the smooth passage of boats and barges along the Intracoastal Waterway, which was crucial for trade and commerce during the mid-20th century.

Changes and Preservation:

1. Modernization:

   • Over the years, the Little River Swing Bridge has undergone repairs and modifications to accommodate modern traffic demands. However, its basic design and function remain true to the original.

   • While newer bridges have been constructed in the region, the swing bridge continues to operate, serving as a reminder of the area's rich history.

2. Cultural Heritage:

   • The bridge is a cherished landmark in Little River, symbolizing the town’s connection to its maritime past and its role as a gateway to the Intracoastal Waterway.

   • It is often included in local historical tours and has become a point of interest for visitors interested in engineering and transportation history.

3. Preservation Efforts:

   • Efforts to maintain the bridge have been driven by both practical needs and a desire to preserve its historical value. Community groups and local historians advocate for its upkeep as a vital piece of Little River's heritage.

Legacy:

The Little River Swing Bridge is more than just a piece of infrastructure; it is a living link to the history of Little River and its development as a coastal community. Its presence continues to evoke a sense of connection to the past while serving as a functional and iconic part of the region’s landscape.