On May 27, 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge, an iconic modern feat of engineering, opened to the public in San Francisco during the Great Depression. After years of planning and five years of construction, the bridge was finally complete. The bridge’s opening was celebrated with a week-long series of events called “The Golden Gate Bridge Fiesta,” which began at 6 a.m. on that day. San Franciscans and citizens of the Redwood Empire eagerly awaited the opening of the bridge, which would serve as a connection between the two regions.
The first day of the Golden Gate Bridge’s opening was reserved for pedestrians, with an estimated 18,000 people waiting to cross the bridge on foot before it opened to traffic. Throughout the day, approximately 200,000 people crossed the bridge on foot, each paying a toll of 25 cents equivalent to $5.30 in 2023. The bridge was lined with hot dog stands to feed hungry pedestrians. Today, walking across the Golden Gate Bridge is free, but cars pay a toll of $9.40 to travel into San Francisco. The bridge spans 1.7 miles from abutment to abutment and had the longest single span in the world at the time of its opening.
Several notable “firsts” occurred on the opening day of the Golden Gate Bridge. Florentine Calegeri walked across the bridge on stilts, while two sisters were the first to rollerskate across the bridge. Additionally, 11-year-old Anna Marie Anderson was the first child to be lost and found on the bridge. The bridge’s opening was a significant moment in history, symbolizing a connection between regions and uniting people in brotherhood. The engineering achievement of the Golden Gate Bridge impressed visitors from around the world, leaving an “imperishable memory” for generations to come.
The completion of the Golden Gate Bridge marked a significant accomplishment in the midst of economic hardship, with the bridge standing as a testament to the genius, courage, and will of humanity. The bridge was described as “the noblest structure of steel upon this planet” by J. Lawrence Toole, who praised the engineering achievement without equal. The Golden Gate Bridge has become a symbol of San Francisco and is renowned for its size, beauty, and grace. Visitors from all over the world continue to be captivated by the wonder of the bridge and its enduring legacy.
Today, the Golden Gate Bridge stands as a symbol of American ingenuity and perseverance, with its iconic red color and unique design attracting millions of visitors each year. The bridge has become a beloved landmark, connecting the city of San Francisco to Marin County and serving as a vital transportation link. The story and enchantment of the Golden Gate Bridge live on through generations, as people continue to marvel at its engineering brilliance and timeless beauty. The legacy of the Golden Gate Bridge continues to inspire and captivate those who come under its spell, making it one of the most iconic landmarks in the world.
