The Missouri side of The Poplar Street Bridge is now officially known as the “Congressman William L. Clay Sr. Bridge”.
A ceremony this morning near the federal courthouse bestowed Clay with the honor. Mayor Francis Slay, Gov. Jay Nixon and Clay’s son William Lacy Clay were among those who praised him for his pioneering efforts in politics as they celebrated the commemoration.
Clay, 82, became Missouri’s first African-American congressman when he was elected to the House of Representatives in 1968. In 2000, he was succeeded by his son, William Lacy Clay Jr.
The bridge was originally named for St. Louis Mayor Bernard F. Dickman.
Information from KSDK.com contributed to this report.
