Victory Memorial Bridge, Nashville

The Victory Memorial Bridge in Nashville stands as a significant landmark connecting two vital parts of the city and honoring the memory of fallen soldiers. This bridge, extending from the public square and the central business district on the western side of the Cumberland River to Main Street in East Nashville, is not only a functional infrastructure but also a symbolic structure.

M. S. Poteat's firm played a key role in constructing the bridge's approaches and substructure. The Nashville Bridge Company handled the superstructure and decking. State engineer Roy Higgs ensured high-quality and safe construction throughout, crucial for completing the bridge.

The idea for the Victory Memorial Bridge emerged partly from a public movement in 1948. This movement aimed to create a lasting tribute to the military soldiers from Nashville and Davidson County who lost their lives during World War II. Eventually, the scope of the memorial expanded to include the names of those who fell in the Korean War, making it a joint memorial that honors heroes from multiple conflicts.

Constructed with modern steel set in stone, the bridge spans an impressive 1,900 feet. It was officially opened on May 19, 1956, in a ceremony marked by the presence of Mayor Ben West. The mayor not only cut the ribbon to signify the bridge's opening but also read a poignant poem titled “The Bridge Builder” by local poet Miss Will Allen Dromgoole, adding a layer of cultural and emotional significance to the event.

The formal opening of the Victory Memorial Bridge coincided with the Armed Forces Day parade and celebration, making it a special feature of the day's events. This timing further emphasized the bridge's role as a memorial to the armed forces.