What Happened On May 27th?
On May 27, 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge officially opened to the public, connecting San Francisco to Marin County, California. Spanning the Golden Gate Strait, this suspension bridge became a symbol of architectural innovation and human determination.
The bridge’s construction began in 1933 during the Great Depression, led by engineer Joseph Strauss. Despite strong tides, deep waters, and frequent fog, Strauss and his team pressed forward, overcoming numerous challenges.
The opening of the Golden Gate Bridge was celebrated with a week-long event, starting with “Pedestrian Day” on May 27, 1937. On this day, the bridge was closed to vehicles, allowing 200,000 pedestrians to walk across its span. People dressed in their finest attire, carried picnic baskets, and enjoyed the festive atmosphere. Bands played, people danced, and the city celebrated its achievement.
An Engineering Feat
At the time of its completion, the Golden Gate Bridge was the longest and tallest suspension bridge in the world. It stretches 1.7 miles across the strait, with towers rising 746 feet above the water. The bridge’s construction involved innovative techniques and materials, including steel cables from Roebling’s Sons Company, the same company that supplied cables for the Brooklyn Bridge.
The bridge’s signature International Orange color was not initially planned. The U.S. Navy wanted the bridge painted in black with yellow stripes for visibility. However, consulting architect Irving Morrow advocated for the now-iconic hue, which he believed would complement the natural surroundings and enhance visibility through the fog.
Construction Was Not Simple…
The strong currents and deep waters of the Golden Gate Strait made construction particularly perilous. Workers, known as “bridgemen,” faced life-threatening conditions daily. The project set new safety standards for the time. Strauss insisted on a safety net suspended under the bridge, which saved the lives of 19 men who fell during construction. These men became known as the “Halfway to Hell Club.”
Despite these measures, accidents still occurred. In February 1937, a section of scaffold fell through the net, resulting in the deaths of ten workers.
How The Bridge Opened to Traffic
Following Pedestrian Day, the Golden Gate Bridge officially opened to vehicular traffic on May 28, 1937. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, from his office in Washington D.C., signaled the start of vehicle crossings with a telegraphic message. The first person to drive across the bridge was San Francisco’s Mayor Angelo Rossi, followed by a procession of cars, motorcycles, and even horse-drawn carriages.
The toll for crossing the bridge was initially set at 50 cents each way, a considerable sum during the Depression era. This toll has evolved over time, reflecting the bridge’s maintenance needs and inflation, but it has always been a vital source of funding for the structure’s upkeep.
How The Bridge Became Famous
The Golden Gate Bridge quickly became a cultural icon, appearing in countless films, photographs, and works of art. Its image is synonymous with San Francisco and represents progress and innovation. The bridge’s opening was on the national stage. Because of the difficult time of economic hardship, the bridge symbolized hope and resilience.
The bridge’s unique location and design made it a perfect site for studying aerodynamics and structural engineering. Researchers have used the bridge to understand wind resistance, structural stress, and even seismic activity, contributing valuable data to the fields of engineering and safety.
The Golden Gate v.s. The Brooklyn Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge and the Brooklyn Bridge, though constructed in different eras and locations, share a common legacy of engineering brilliance.
On the other hand, the Brooklyn Bridge was completed in 1883 as the first steel-wire suspension bridge. The Golden Gate Bridge, completed over five decades later, built upon these advancements, became the longest and tallest suspension bridge in the world upon its completion.
Both bridges were constructed using steel cables produced by Roebling’s Sons Company. This connection demonstrates the technological lineage between the two structures.
Both bridges introduced innovative safety measures for their workers which are used to this day. The Golden Gate Bridge’s safety net saved 19 lives, while the Brooklyn Bridge’s construction included early safety harnesses, though it still suffered a high casualty rate.
A unique comparison lies in their colors: the Brooklyn Bridge was originally painted a subtle gray, while the Golden Gate Bridge’s International Orange was chosen to stand out in San Francisco’s frequent fog. Both colors have become iconic, representing the cities they connect.
These bridges not only transformed their physical landscapes, but they also inspired their cities’ development, symbolizing the ingenuity and spirit of their times.
