Mormon Bridge — Local services in Iowa

My grandfather, James Mitchell Garrison, built this bridge when he was the city civil engineer of Omaha. There was only the one bridge built at the time, the one on the right if heading towards Iowa. He wanted to make the bridge wider, but the city wouldn't permit it at the time. The builder used coffer dams to divert the Missouri River while the concrete foundations were poured. I have pictures of my mother and grandfather standing on dry ground in the middle of the river :-). The bridge originally had a toll booth on the Nebraska side in the middle of the two lane road to take payments, both going and coming. There was also a plaque on the bridge itself mentioning who built it and other important info (my grandfathers name is on the plaque). You can still see this toll booth and plaque in Florence at the following address: 3010 Willit St, Omaha, NE 68112. While in the vicinity, stop by Zestos that has been there since the early 1950s (my parents used to walk to the same location on dates in the mid 50s). Best foot long chili dogs...

Well, I wouldn't say I visited this bridge, I was more just passing through. I will say this though... When it comes to transporting vehicles from one side of the river to the other, this bridge is a really good one! I have used this bridge so many times I have lost count and not even once did it let me down. It also has some aesthetically pleasing green metallic cross beams that pass overhead when one crosses this bridge. My kids think this bridge is the best one around and refer to it as the Dinosaur bridge. Whenever we cross the bridge they like to pretend that we are driving into a dinosaur's mouth; I am afraid to ask how we eventually get out of the dino, but I digress... My point is, this is such a great bridge and I highly recommend everyone give it a visit. You'll be...

It's not a site to get out and touch. It's a place to be touched by history. The Mormon Winter Camp was here. During the brutal winter of 1846 - 1847, many died here. It was for their perseverance and fortitude that this bridge was named after them. No, I'm not of their faith, but greatly admire their ability to overcome the worst obstacles placed before them by both man and nature. The nearby Tabernacle is beautiful. The gravesite of the winter camp is worth a visit and reflection on these rugged Americans is...