Anoka-Champlin Mississippi River Bridge
U.S. 52, Anoka, MNThe Anoka-Champlin Mississippi River Bridge, built by the Minneapolis Bridge Company in 1929, is significant for both historical and engineering reasons. Historically is represents a major river crossing, joining together two communities with long-standing commercial and economic links. Technologically it is a fine representative of the open spandrel concrete arch bridge type which reached a high state of development in the Twin Cities and surrounding area in the late 1920s.
Two prominent bridge authorities, Carl Condit and David Plowden, have recognized the significance of the Twin Cities' concrete arch bridges. As Plowden points out, "the first really sophisticated American program of concrete highway bridge construction evolved around Minnesota's Twin Cities." This happened, says Condit, because here "the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers offered the engineers numerous opportunities to try their ingenuity."
In its current excellent condition, maintaining full integrity, the AnokaChamplin Mississippi River Bridge exhibits the twin qualities of the Minnesota concrete arch open spandrel bridge: graceful and pleasing aesthetics coupled with an economy of design and construction.
Local significance of the structure:
Two prominent bridge authorities, Carl Condit and David Plowden, have recognized the significance of the Twin Cities' concrete arch bridges. As Plowden points out, "the first really sophisticated American program of concrete highway bridge construction evolved around Minnesota's Twin Cities." This happened, says Condit, because here "the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers offered the engineers numerous opportunities to try their ingenuity."
In its current excellent condition, maintaining full integrity, the AnokaChamplin Mississippi River Bridge exhibits the twin qualities of the Minnesota concrete arch open spandrel bridge: graceful and pleasing aesthetics coupled with an economy of design and construction.
Commerce; Engineering
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
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The first female mayor in the United States was elected in Minnesota in 1887. Susanna Salter was elected mayor of Argonia, Kansas, but she was originally from Minnesota.
About Anoka County
Anoka County Timeline
Anoka County, Minnesota has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Dakota and Ojibwe, who used the land for hunting, fishing, and gathering. In the early 19th century, European settlers began moving into the region, attracted by the natural resources and trade opportunities.
Officially established in 1857, Anoka County was named after the Dakota word for "on both sides," reflecting its location between the Mississippi and Rum Rivers. The county's early economy revolved around logging, farming, and transportation. The arrival of the railroad in the 1860s brought significant growth and development, enabling greater commerce and connecting the county to larger markets.
Anoka County played a significant role in the development of Minnesota's education system. In 1858, the first public school in Minnesota was founded in Anoka, becoming a cornerstone for educational progression in the area. As the population grew, more schools were established, and education became a central focus for the county.
In the 20th century, Anoka County experienced further growth and transformation. The construction of Highway 10 and Interstate 35 expedited transportation and trade, facilitating the expansion of industries and residential areas. The county also became a hub for defense manufacturing during World War II, with several factories and military installations being established.
Today, Anoka County is a thriving community with a diverse economy that includes manufacturing, healthcare, education, and retail sectors. It is known for its natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and vibrant arts and cultural scene. The county continues to evolve and adapt, while preserving its historical roots, making it a desirable place to live, work, and visit.
Officially established in 1857, Anoka County was named after the Dakota word for "on both sides," reflecting its location between the Mississippi and Rum Rivers. The county's early economy revolved around logging, farming, and transportation. The arrival of the railroad in the 1860s brought significant growth and development, enabling greater commerce and connecting the county to larger markets.
Anoka County played a significant role in the development of Minnesota's education system. In 1858, the first public school in Minnesota was founded in Anoka, becoming a cornerstone for educational progression in the area. As the population grew, more schools were established, and education became a central focus for the county.
In the 20th century, Anoka County experienced further growth and transformation. The construction of Highway 10 and Interstate 35 expedited transportation and trade, facilitating the expansion of industries and residential areas. The county also became a hub for defense manufacturing during World War II, with several factories and military installations being established.
Today, Anoka County is a thriving community with a diverse economy that includes manufacturing, healthcare, education, and retail sectors. It is known for its natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and vibrant arts and cultural scene. The county continues to evolve and adapt, while preserving its historical roots, making it a desirable place to live, work, and visit.
Anoka County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Anoka County, Minnesota.
- 1847 - Anoka County is established by the Minnesota Territorial Legislature.
- 1857 - The city of Anoka is incorporated as the first city in Anoka County.
- 1877 - Anoka State Hospital, now known as the Anoka-Metro Regional Treatment Center, is founded.
- 1920 - The Anoka County Courthouse, designed by Roy B. France, is completed.
- 1950 - The population of Anoka County reaches over 60,000.
- 1970 - The completion of Interstate 35W improves transportation in Anoka County.
- 1996 - Anoka County Library System is established, providing public library services to residents.
- 2011 - The Anoka County Government Center is expanded to accommodate growth and increased services.
- 2019 - The population of Anoka County exceeds 356,000 residents.