Mendota ‘Gopher Gunners’ Bridge Turns 100, rededication ceremony planned Monday, Nov. 9
FORT SNELLING, Minn. – On Monday morning, Nov. 9, the Minnesota National Guard, Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Minnesota Historical Society are hosting a commemoration for the 100th anniversary of the Highway 55 Fort Snelling-Mendota Bridge at the historic Fort Snelling Visitors’ Center.
“This is a great thing,” said Army Lt. Col. Chaz Ochsendorf, officer in charge of the Arden Hills based 34th Division Artillery. “So many people travel around the Twin Cities Metro on this bridge, but few know of its origin, or that it has served our community as long as it has.”
The bridge, spanning the Minnesota River, was built from 1924 to 1926. It opened to traffic on Nov. 8, 1926 it as the longest continuous concrete arch bridge in the world at the time of its construction. Today, it spans four lanes of MN 55 and MN 62. The Minnesota Department of Transportation estimates the bridge averages just under 40,000 vehicles traveling on it per day.
It was given the moniker ‘Gopher Gunners Bridge’ and dedicated in honor of the Minnesota National Guard Soldiers of the 1-151st Field Artillery Regiment who lost their lives in France during the Great War, which concluded 108 years ago. The Gopher Gunners and the Montevideo-based 1-151st live on in Minnesota National Guard.
“Retaining our roots and history are essential to any storied military unit,” said Army Col. Ryan Kelly, commander of the 34th Division Artillery. “We are humbled to live in the shadow of giants who traveled far from home to fight for what they believed in so long ago. This bridge having been dedicated to them shortly after the war was, and continues to be, a great honor to their service and sacrifices.”
The event will feature remarks, an honor guard and a wreath laying ceremony for the Gopher Gunners who were killed in the war.
Editor’s Note: Media members are invited to the event on Monday, Nov. 9 at 10 a.m. on the second floor of the Fort Snelling Visitor Center, 18 Tower Avenue, Minneapolis. The parking lot has signs that indicate requiring payment, but it is no cost for this event. There is an elevator for those with video equipment wagons. Interviews may be coordinated upon request. Media must RSVP to Capt. Austin Stibbe at 612.327.9545 or austin.j.stibbe2.mil@army.mil by Sunday, Nov. 8, at 5 p.m. to
attend.
About the Minnesota National Guard: Established in 1856 and headquartered in St. Paul, the Minnesota National Guard has nearly 13,000 soldiers and airmen who serve in 58 communities across the state. The citizen-soldiers and airmen of the Minnesota National Guard are ‘Always Ready’ to fight the nation’s wars, protect the country, respond to state emergencies, and contribute to local communities. For more information about the Minnesota National Guard, visit https://mn.gov/mnng/l.
For more information about the bridge, visit: www.mndot.gov/historicbridges/4190.html
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