A bridge to Brainerd’s past: Kicking off the city’s sesquicentennial With Brainerd's 150th anniversary approaching, Mayor Dave Badeaux drew attention to the Northern Pacific railroad bridge, which was completed March 8, 1871. 6:00 am, Mar. 7, 2021 × The Northern Pacific railroad bridge, seen here Friday, March 5, in Brainerd. The original wooden structure was built March 8, 1871. The anniversary will serve as a kickoff to the city's sesquicentennial celebration in 2021. Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch It’s a bridge, both literally and figuratively. Completed March 8, 1871, The railroad bridge across the Mississippi River in Brainerd connected the Great Lakes to the western portion of the U.S. 150 years ago and connects today’s residents to the city’s rich history.