Mackinac Bridge, Michigan

 Life in this part of the world certainly changed in 1957. That's when the Mackinac Bridge was completed and opened for business.

In other words, no more ferries to the Upper Peninsula.

The bridge links the two parts of Michigan in dramatic fashion, as it is the fifth-longest suspension bridge in the world. It spans the straits that connect Lake Huron and Michigan. The idea for such a bridge first was discussed in public around 1884, once the Brookyn Bridge had shown that big bridges were possible. Full ferry service started in 1923, but it was so busy that the bridge idea was still discussed. The Depression and World War II got in the way for a while.

But eventually, the money was raised. Construction started in 1954 and it opened on schedule on Nov. 1, 1957.

By the way, the bridge is closed to traffic on one day for a year for a five-mile walk across. It's a huge event.

Be notified of new posts on this site via Twitter @WDX2BB.