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A long awaited bridge across the Rainy River, linking the U.S. and Canada, was completed in 1960. The bridge expanded travel between Minnesota and Ontario and made it easier for local residents to go back and forth between the towns of Baudette and Rainy River. Before that time, only a ferry was available for those who wished to cross the river here, and the closest auto bridge was 70 miles away in International Falls.
Travelers between the two countries have largely one man to thank for this automobile artery, and that man was Ted Rowell, Sr., Baudette businessman.
Sporadic attempts had been made over the years to start a bridge project, but it wasn’t until 1947, when Rowell took the reins, that things began to progress, albeit slowly. After12 agonizing years of laboring over the financial end of the project, construction finally began in January of 1959.
Within a year, the six steel spans were placed upon five concrete pillars and the bridge was completed. A pedestrian walkway with an eighteen-inch steel mesh safety fence ran along the east side of the bridge deck.
A dedication ceremony was set for July 30, 1960 and an entire day of activity was planned for the two towns. Everyone within a 600-mile radius was invited to attend.
Thousands of people turned out to celebrate and the day’s activities included five bands, a parade and a motorcycle brigade.
Many dignitaries from both sides of the border were on hand to address the crowd including Minnesota Governor Orville Freeman, Senators Hubert H. Humphrey and Eugene McCarthy, the Canadian Commissioner of Highways, L.R. Zimmerman and the Honorable J.A. Maloney from the Ontario Ministry of Mines and Natural Resources. Finally, Ted Rowell, Sr., whose vision and perseverance had helped make this event possible, cut the ribbon and the crowd swarmed onto the bridge.
In the past 50 years, millions of travelers have crossed the bridge, and thanks to the foresight and dedication of one man, the structure will continue to serve as a link between Minnesota and Ontario and the cities of Baudette and Rainy River for years to come. |
