 The earliest consistent crossing of the Missouri River at the current bridge's location dates back to 1846, when the Mormons operated a ferry at this location as a component of the Mormon Trail.Ferries continued to be operated sporadically at this location over the course of the next decade, however, the section of the Missouri was considered ideal for a bridge due to the riverbed being rock.According to the program from the opening ceremonies, the first attempt to bridge the Missouri was made in 1856.