The original interstate toll bridge spanning the St. Croix River officially opened to traffic on June 14, 1913. It was privately owned by the St. Croix Bridge Company until 1917, when it became city property, and for more than 35 years it was popularly known as the Hudson Toll Bridge. In 1936, Dr. Boyd T. Williams donated the lighted arch structure at the entrance to the bridge at an original cost of $1500. The arch remained lighted until the bridge was abandoned in 1951 after a new bridge was built farther south. Through community efforts, the unique arch over the old toll bridge was relit on July 27, 1995, to serve as a historical welcome to visitors to Hudson.