The Golden Gate Bridge, an iconic symbol of engineering and beauty, opened to the public on this day in history, May 27, 1937. The bridge, which spans the Golden Gate strait, connected San Francisco to Marin County and quickly became a beloved landmark.
The opening of the Golden Gate Bridge was a momentous occasion, marked by a week-long celebration known as “The Golden Gate Bridge Fiesta.” San Franciscans and citizens of the Redwood Empire eagerly awaited the day when the bridge would be opened to the world.
On the first day of the bridge’s official opening, pedestrians were given the opportunity to walk across the span before it was opened to motor vehicles. An estimated 18,000 people were waiting to cross the bridge, with 15,000 people crossing every hour throughout the day.
The Golden Gate Bridge, with its 1.7-mile span and 4,200-foot distance between the two towers, was a marvel of engineering at the time of its opening. It held the record for the longest single span in the world and continues to be a symbol of innovation and beauty.
Today, walking across the Golden Gate Bridge is free, but cars are charged a toll of $9.40 to travel into San Francisco. The bridge remains a popular tourist destination and a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance.
On the opening day of the Golden Gate Bridge, several notable “firsts” occurred, including a man walking across the bridge on stilts and two sisters rollerskating across. Additionally, 11-year-old Anna Marie Anderson became the first child to be lost and found on the bridge.
The Golden Gate Bridge continues to captivate visitors with its beauty and grace, leaving an indelible mark on all who come under its spell.
