GAR Bridge to GAR Cache Traditional Cache
WxSarge: Getting ready to move...time to fold up the tents! Hope everyone enjoyed this cache...look for more in the Fairbanks, AK area after November!
WxSarge
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Size: 
(regular)
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This is an easy park-and-grab cache in a relatively busy area...beware of muggles!
This cache was placed after I found out some little-known knowledge about a widely used landmark in my area.
Crossing the Missouri River between Nebraska and Iowa, the Bellevue Toll Bridge is often taken for granted by those that cross it. What many don't know is that the official name for this bridge is the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Bridge.
The bridge was built in 1950 by the Bellevue Bridge Commission at a cost of $2.8 million in construction bonds. The bridge, which is 20 feet wide and is falling into ill repair, is considered to be obsolete and a replacement is not in the books at this time. The building costs were paid off in recent years, but the Commission had to take out $1 million to repair the bridge. Furthermore, a new surface and paint job would cost $4 million. Since loans are nearly paid off, ownership of the bridge is being discussed. The City of Bellevue, Sarpy County, Mills County, and the State of Nebraska all want little or no ownership in the bridge or the costs of maintaining it...leaving it in disrepair.
On a side note, the official name of the bridge refers to a Civil War veterans' organization and lobbying group. The Grand Army of the Republic was open to veterans of the Civil War that fought for the Union. It is considered the first organized interest group in American politics. In its history, it had so much power from the 1860s-1900s that its nomination was required to run on the Republican Party ticket for President. In fact, the GAR called for May 30 to be designated as a day of memorial for Union veterans and called this day "Decoration Day," evolving into the U.S. national Memorial Day holiday. The GAR also participated in pension legislation, establishing retirement homes for soldiers, and other areas concerning Union veterans. The influence of the GAR led to the creation of the Old Soldiers' Homes of the late 19th century, which evolved into the current United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Eventually, as the last remaining veterans of the Civil War passed away in 1956, the organization was dissolved and succeeded by the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.
As you search out this cache, I hope this information builds as much interest in the bridge for you as it did for me. Enjoy!!!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Znxr fher gb "cbfg" lbhe ebnq thneqf.
Treasures
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