War Memorial Bridge

Located just north of Adams Boulevard, Memorial Bridge was dedicated on May 24, 1925. Frank Phillips, co-founder of Phillips Petroleum, agreed to pay the expense of four pylons, one at each corner of the bridge, bearing 10 large bronze plaques with names for all Washington County men and women who saw service during the “Great War” World War I. The bridge has remained in service and continues to receive a substantial amount of traffic today. Over the years, however, the structure cosmetically declined, and portions of the railing and curbing suffered damage from water infiltration and freezing and thawing. Plus, the removal of the plaques left ugly gouges in the pylons. As an appropriate and high-visibility way to commemorate the centennials of both Rotary International (2005) and Oklahoma Statehood (2007), the Bartlesville Rotary Club chose to take on the restoration of the long-neglected landmark. Memorial Bridge was rededicated in a ceremony in September 2006. The ten large brass plaques, containing the names of the 1,603 WWI veterans, were completely refurbished and returned to the bridge. The arched structure serves as attractive gateway to the center of Bartlesville – a symbol of a progressive city that honors its patriotic past.