Category: Landmark

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Indian River Bridge at Twilight Panorama

Four styles of this popular photograph are now available in a 2:1 panorama ratio.

I’ve had requests for a more-panorama-shape of one of my most popular photographs of the Indian River Inlet Bridge. So I made a “regular” Panorama (2:1 ratio) and three additional presentations. Might you be interested in any of these please let me know. If so, which one? Leave a response in the comments section at the bottom of the page.

Indian River Bridge Panorama Photograph Assortment
Indian River Inlet Bridge at Twilight Panorama Photograph in Four Presentations.

The Charles W. Cullen Bridge is the official name of this beautiful example of cable-stayed suspension bridge architecture. The Indian River Inlet Bridge carries coastal traffic on Route 1 across the Indian River Inlet just north of Bethany Beach Delaware.

This beautiful structure is sight to behold at any time of day or night. However, twilight, the transition between day and night, brings out the spectacular color of the bridge, the water and the sky – all in shades of blue – at this magical time.

The Indian River inlet joins the Rehoboth Bay and the Indian River Bay with the Atlantic Ocean. The Indian River Bridge over the inlet allows traffic to flow north and south along “Coastal Highway” (Route 1), connecting several beach resort towns from Ocean City in Maryland to Rehoboth Beach and Lewes in Delaware.

The Delaware Seashore State Park facilities on both the north and south sides of the Indian River Inlet and along the shore of the Indian River Bay attract thousands or people, who can enjoy sights like this, all year ’round. The area, just north of Bethany Beach, DE boasts campgrounds, a large marina, fishing and, of course, a well-maintained and guarded (in season) beach on the Atlantic Ocean.

Indian River Inlet Bridge Twilight Reflection
The original “best selling” print: Indian River Inlet Bridge Twilight Reflection

Charles W. Cullen Bridge – Dedicated 2012

Indian River Bridge Dedication Plaque
Dedication Plaque on the Indian River Bridge Pedestrian Walkway

This bridge is named in honor and remembrance of Charles West Cullen, 1865-1948, a man who dedicated his life to public service and the the citizens of Delaware. Between 1930 and 1940, he served on the State Highway Commission, eventually being elevated to Chairman of the Commission from 1938-1939. While he was Chairman, work was started on a new bridge to span the Indian River Inlet. In recognition for his service on the Commission, the bridge was dedicated on May 18, 1940, in his name for his advocacy for the proper opening of the inlet and the internal development of the Indian River. Two additional bridges bearing his name have spanned the inlet since that time. This, the fifth bridge to span the inlet waterway, is was also dedicated in his name. (Paraphrased from the bridge dedication plaque.)

Use the links below to browse or shop more of Bill’s photographs of the Indian River Inlet Bridge.

Link to: Bill’s Indian River Inlet Bridge Collection, including the four panoramas above.

Link to: Panorama Wall Art Print

Link to: Simulated Charcoal Print

Link to: Dramatic Black & White Print

Link to: Abstract Expressionism Print

Link to: Bill’s full Gallery at Pixels/FineArtAmerica

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Two Flags over Fort McHenry Wall Art

This unique photograph speaks of American History and Patriotism.

So, why are there two American Flags in this photograph? Few people know this, but you can actually fly your own flag over Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland. You can either bring your own American Flag or buy one in the gift shop and take it to a Park Ranger in the fort. He or she will hoist your flag up the historic flagpole (may even let you help) and you can see your own flag flying over Fort McHenry. The Visitor Center staff will then give you a certificate to certify that your flag was flown over Fort McHenry.

two flags over fort mchenry baltimore
Two Flags Over Fort McHenry in Baltimore

It was at this revered place that American soldiers defended our young country against the British fleet during the War of 1812. This final battle took place on September 13-14, 1814 and marked one of the culminating battles of the war.

During that overnight battle is when Francis Scott Key penned his poem entitled “The Star Spangled Banner.” That poem was eventually adopted by President Woodrow Wilson as the standard National Anthem of the United States. But it wasn’t until 1929 that “House Resolution 14” was enacted by Congress naming “The Start Spangled Banner” as the official National Anthem of the United States of America.

Use the links below to browse or shop more of Bill’s photographs of Fort McHenry and the American Flag.

Link to: Two Flags over Fort McHenry

Link to: Bill’s Fort McHenry Collection

Link to: Bill’s full Gallery at Fine Art America/Pixels

fort mchenry with baltimore in the background
Fort McHenry with the City of Baltimore in the Background.
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Waccamaw Coast Line Railroad Tracks & Ties

The the remaining tracks of an abandoned railroad make for interesting scenery.

The Waccamaw Coast Line Railroad use to carry passengers and freight from Conway to Myrtle Beach. The line has been abandoned since the 1990’s but the remaining tracks make for interesting scenery. The old railroad bridge cannot be seen in this particular view but it’s out there. You can visit this scene while walking the Riverwalk along the Waccamaw River as it flows through Conway, South Carolina.

Waccamaw Coast Line Railroad Abandoned Tracks
Waccamaw Coast Line Railroad Abandoned Tracks

The next time I am in Conway, I plan to hike along this old railbed to cross the river and photograph the old swing-bridge. The photograph below is in black and white which helps bring out the texture of the decaying railroad ties and the overgrowth of trees and brush that is reclaiming this thoroughfare – taking it back to nature.

Waccamaw Coast Line Railroad Abandoned Tracks Monochrome
Waccamaw Coast Line Railroad Abandoned Tracks in Black and White

Use the links below to see more of these images and how they look on different wall art substrates. There are prints, framed prints, canvas presentations, acrylic and more.

Link: Waccamaw Coast Line Railroad Abandoned Tracks

Link: Waccamaw Coast Line Railroad Abandoned Tracks Monochrome

Link to: Bill’s full Pictorem Gallery

Link to: Bill’s full Fine Art American Gallery

Little information remains about the Waccamaw CoastLine Railroad. I could find only bits and pieces of information and one mention of abandoned trackage. The Atlantic Coast Line served this line when it was first constructed by the Waccamaw, Conway & Aynor Railway between 1916 and late 1919 to serve lumber and naval stores traffic. It was then acquired by the ACL in December 1919 and became an extension of the Myrtle Beach Branch. The line survived as a freight only branch until the early 1980’s when passenger service was briefly revived with various excursion trains operated by Inland Rail Tours. At some point the name was changed to Waccamaw Coast Line – probably around 1987 but service continued for only a short time and was discontinued in the early 1990’s.

Overall, the WCL RR was an obscure experiment in intrastate railroading that didn’t last all that long. But at least it had a good run while it lasted, even if only a handful of people were aware of its existence and, that, is what may have been what caused its demise.

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Indian River Bridge Clouds Wall Art

The Indian River Inlet Bridge near Bethany Beach, DE appears different every time we are there.

These clouds predict the onset of a storm but, in this case it was just an illusion. It was 40 degrees and windy, up from a low of 19, when this photograph was captured.

The George W. Cullen Bridge over the Indian River Inlet is located between the coastal towns of Dewey Beach and Bethany Beach , Delaware. It is surrounded by the public beach, marina and campground facilities of the Delaware Seashore State Park.

Indian River Bridge Clouds
Indian River Bridge Clouds

In addition to the full color version, this is the black and white presentation “Indian River Bridge Clouds” and is unique in its own right.

Indian River Bridge Clouds in Black and White
Indian River Bridge Clouds in Black and White

Use the links below to see larger versions of the Indian River Bridge Clouds and to browse or shop the variety of wall art and home decor items available.

Link: Indian River Bridge Clouds

Link: Indian River Bridge Clouds in Black and White

Link to: Bill’s Indian River Bridge Gallery at Fine Art America

Link to: Bill’s Indian River Bridge Gallery at Pictorem (w/ Free Shipping)

When I wanted to photograph the Indian River Inlet Bridge near Bethany Beach, DE I knew that weather could be an obstacle. Sure enough, before sunset a warm front arrived, with at layers of clouds moving in from the west. But this time Mother Nature played a trick on me. The sky was filled with these ominous clouds and snow flurries started to fall, much like in this photograph. Even though it was cold and the wind was blowing, I had to wait until everything came together. I was hoping for a bit more color. But this cloudy scene doesn’t lack interest – in my opinion. Toned sky, ragged clouds and stark and empty rocky jetty on the north side of the Indian River Inlet are what makes this scene so striking!