Fri Sep 20 11:45:00 UTC 2024: ## Gardiner Bridge: A Historic Gateway to Yellowstone Celebrates its 90th Anniversary

The Gardiner Bridge, spanning the Yellowstone River at the gateway to Yellowstone National Park, is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. This iconic structure, recently nominated for the National Register of Historic Places, has played a vital role in the history and development of the region.

Completed in November 1930, the 409-foot-long bridge was a marvel of engineering, featuring a unique deck-truss design. Its construction was a testament to the determination of local officials, engineers, and workers who overcame funding disputes and bureaucratic obstacles.

The bridge’s history is interwoven with the story of Gardiner itself. From its humble beginnings as a “Shantyville” with more saloons than houses, Gardiner has evolved into a thriving tourist destination, largely due to the bridge’s existence.

Prior to the bridge’s construction, access to the town was limited and often treacherous. The bridge, however, facilitated the development of tourist-related businesses, drawing visitors from across the country.

Today, the Gardiner Bridge remains a vital link between the park and the outside world, carrying an average of 71,000 vehicles per day during peak season.

Montana Department of Transportation historian Jon Axline, whose grandfather served as the gravel inspector for the project, has documented the bridge’s history, highlighting its significance as a vital transportation link and a testament to the ingenuity of its builders.

As Gardiner celebrates the 90th anniversary of its iconic bridge, the structure stands as a symbol of the region’s rich history, ongoing development, and enduring legacy.

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