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Houston’s Preston Street Bridge Renamed The Robert Mosbacher Bridge

Former President George H.W. Bush joined Houston leaders Wednesday to dedicate the Mosbacher Bridge in downtown.

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  • Former President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush attended the dedication ceremony in Houston. (Photo Credit: Syeda Hasan)
    Former President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush attended the dedication ceremony in Houston. (Photo Credit: Syeda Hasan)
  • Houston's Preston Street Bridge has officially been renamed in honor of Robert Mosbacher.
    Houston's Preston Street Bridge has officially been renamed in honor of Robert Mosbacher.
  • Artwork depicting Robert Mosbacher lines the newly dedicated bridge.
    Artwork depicting Robert Mosbacher lines the newly dedicated bridge.
  • Robert Mosbacher Jr. (second from left) helps unveil artwork depicting his father along the Mosbacher Bridge.
    Robert Mosbacher Jr. (second from left) helps unveil artwork depicting his father along the Mosbacher Bridge.
  • Former President George H.W. Bush looks on after the unveiling of the bridge and artwork commemorating Robert Mosbacher.
    Former President George H.W. Bush looks on after the unveiling of the bridge and artwork commemorating Robert Mosbacher.

Above is a photo gallery of Former President George H.W. Bush, his wife Barbara Bush and other Houston leaders at the dedication ceremony for the Mosbacher Bridge. For more information, click the “i” in the gallery above.

The scenic span runs across Buffalo Bayou, near the intersection of Preston and Bagby Streets. It links the statues of two of Robert Mosbacher's closest friends: President George H.W. Bush and former Secretary of State James A. Baker III. Though Mosbacher was not a native of Houston, Baker remembered his love for the city.

"Bob Mosbacher didn't just take from Houston," Baker says. "He gave to Houston. He returned the favor and he worked diligently to increase support for important institutions here like M.D. Anderson Hospital."

Mosbacher moved to Houston in 1947 and founded a thriving energy company. He also served as Secretary of Commerce in President George H.W. Bush's administration. Mosbacher died in 2010 at the age of 82.

Houston City Council Member Robert Gallegos says the bridge stands to honor the contributions Mosbacher made to the city.

"He worked for the prosperity of Houston and our country and was a strong advocate for the arts," Gallegos says. "So it is very fitting that this beautiful bridge and artwork be dedicated in his name."

In 2014, the Houston City Council voted unanimously to rename the Preston Street Bridge in Mosbacher's honor.

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