Elk River and The New Bridge
“Hurrah for the Beef Hurrah for the Liver Hurrah for the bridge That Spans the River.” This is just one of several jingles heard on the streets of Elk River celebrating the new bridge completion in 1906. Crossing the Mississippi River and connecting Elk River with Otsego, the bridge was celebrated as a “mutual benefit” with “commercial, social and financial rewards.” Although the benefits seemed obvious, obtaining financial support and construction of this new transportation artery were never easily obtainable goals. With the completion, though, the old ferry crossing the river closed and citizens from two counties celebrated. The fifty years before the bridge, consistently crossing the River at Elk River was possible only through the ferry operating since 1856. The only other options included crossing at a ford south of town when the water was low, or cross on winter ice when the river might be frozen. None of these options guaranteed ...