On Saturday morning, May 25, 2019, a large crowd gathered at the entrance of Wilson Park in Maynardville, for the dedication and ribbon cutting of the Veterans Bridge Memorial that houses the new Wilson Park sign. The structure is made of approximately 4,000 pounds of steel pieces from the old Highway 33 Veterans Memorial Bridge that crossed Clinch River (Norris Lake) between Maynardville and Tazewell. The project was spearheaded by Preservation Union County, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Union County history and heritage, and was begun under the administration of former Mayor Mike Williams and completed under the administration of Mayor Jason Bailey.

The ceremony began at 11:00 AM with an opening prayer by Martin Shaffer. VFW Commander Arnold Smallin led the pledge to the American Flag and Melba Green entertained by singing a cappella "The Star-Spangled Banner." Mayor Jason Bailey was the keynote speaker and recognized those who donated and volunteered to make this project possible including: Former Mayor Mike Williams; Stan and Betty Bullen, project coordinators; Rick and Donna Riddle, construction coordinators; Martin Shaffer, signage; Charlie Hamilton, graphic design; Ronnie Clay, The Steel Shop; Randy Hodge, Lakeway Line-X; Tommy Edwards, crane; James Rameriz, Creative Concrete; Debra and Mike Keck, cement; Denny Patterson, gravel; Road Commissioner David Cox; Eagle Scout Jonathan Mills, landscaping and Stacy Fox, Joe Rogers, and Bill Collins. We also extend a special thank you to Preservation Union County's Board of Directors, Betty Bullen, Robert Ellison, Ronnie Mincey, Bonnie Peters, Randy Turner, and Vietnam War Veteran David Effler. Immediately after the ceremony, Dennis Johnson led a Historic Walk down the original Thunder Road through Historic Maynardville.

The Highway 33 Veterans Memorial Bridge was built by TVA circa 1935, after Norris Dam was built. It replaced the old Clinch River Bridge which was located a short distance upriver. The old Clinch River Bridge was built in 1923-24, on Highway 33 before Norris Dam was built. Miller's Ferry was above the old bridge site. In the photograph, you can see Miller’s house and barn, and the buildings to the far right were the Union County Poor House. When the new Veterans Memorial Bridge was built in 1935, the old one was moved to Hogskin Creek, in Grainger County.

Another notable bridge in Union County was the Walker's Ford Bridge built in the early 1900s near where modern Walker's Ford Road in Union County and Bear Creek Road in Claiborne County are today. Taken from the diary of my mom, Irene Hamilton, "On Tuesday, February 11, 1936, in frigid 6 degree above zero, my Dad (George Tolliver) and Brother (Harry Tolliver) went to see the Walker's Ford River Bridge blown down. It blew out at 1:00 PM."

Other notable bridges were Longmire's Bridge, circa 1922, over Clinch River about 2 miles from the present Hickory Star Marina. It was dynamited when TVA built Norris Dam. And, Stiner's Bridge over the Powell River, built circa 1920. Also, torn down in 1936 after the creation of Norris Lake and the building of Norris Dam.