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Residents urge saving Dillon Military Bridge, cite history, safety and local tourism
Summary
Dozens of residents urged officials to preserve the 1877 Dillon Military Bridge for historical and safety reasons, describing personal ties, tourism value and concerns about safe walking routes since the bridge’s closure.
Scores of Anamosa residents who spoke during the public-comment period told city and county officials on June 9 they want the Dillon Military Bridge preserved rather than removed.
Local historian Becky Hockstead said she has sought records from the Iowa Historical Society and the DNR and believes the bridge is likely listed on the National Register of Historic Places; she urged the community to find leadership to pursue a preservation project. “The bridge was placed in 1877,” Hockstead said during her remarks.
Other residents described how losing the bridge changed daily walking routes and raised safety concerns on roads where pedestrians now must walk. A public commenter noted families and visitors come to see the bridge, providing small-business traffic for Anamosa. Multiple speakers called for staged repairs and community fundraising to reduce the local share of the cost.
Why it matters: beyond structural engineering questions, the bridge is a local cultural landmark and a link in the town’s trail system. Those personal and economic attachments shaped the meeting’s tone and helped prompt the council to direct staff to prepare a proposal for joint funding and grant pursuit.
