Borough Council votes to name bridge for Columbia's General Edward C. Shannon

 

General Edward C. Shannon

At its February 13 meeting, Columbia Borough Council voted to approve a resolution to name the Route 441 bridge over Route 30 for former Columbia resident General Edward C. Shannon. The bridge, which was part of the Route 441 bypass project, opened in December 2015 when the bypass opened. The structure will be known as the General Edward C. Shannon Memorial Bridge.

The location of the bridge is shown in red.

A former armory at 221 Walnut Street was named for Shannon but was later renamed the "Noah W. Wenger Center" for the PA senator who helped buy the building from the state’s department of general services. The Columbia Boys Athletic Association now owns the building and uses it for youth basketball.

During a discussion of Shannon at council's February 6 work session, Columbia resident Dr. Claire Storm noted that Shannon was an important figure in the borough. "It really bothered me that we just sort of erased his name," she told council.

The General Edward C. Shannon Armory at 221 Walnut Street was renamed for Senator Noah W. Wenger.

Edward C. Shannon had a long and illustrious career. In World War I, he was cited for distinguished and exceptional gallantry. He was presented the Distinguished Service Medal by General John Pershing at the end of the war. Pershing said of Shannon: "He proved himself a forceful and capable military leader." He was also awarded the Silver Star for "personally reconnoitering in front of his lines under heavy machine gun fire."

After World War I Shannon was promoted to Brigadier General as commander of Pennsylvania's 1st Infantry Brigade. He later commanded the 52nd Cavalry Brigade. From 1933 to 1939 Shannon served as major general and commander of the 28th Infantry Division.

Shannon was Pennsylvania's Lieutenant Governor from 1931 to 1935.

In 1919, he was elected Prothonotary of Lancaster County. From 1931 to 1935 he served as Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania, under Governor Gifford Pinchot. He unsuccessfully sought the Republican nomination for governor in 1934.

Shannon's gravestone is located at Laurel Hill Memorial Gardens, Columbia.

Shannon lived at 500 Chestnut Street for about 20 years and died at home on May 20, 1946. He is buried at Laurel Hill Memorial Gardens, Columbia.

This plaque is located at Shannon's former home at 500 Chestnut Street.

Chris Vera provided the Shannon photos in this article.

Columbia Spy published a previous article on General Edward C. Shannon HERE.