On May 27, 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco opened to pedestrians for a special “Pedestrian Day.” Thousands of people walked across the new bridge, enjoying views of the bay and the Pacific Ocean. The next day, it opened to vehicle traffic. The bridge connected San Francisco to Marin County and helped spur development in the region. Its distinctive towers and cables quickly became a symbol of the city and of American engineering. The opening marked the completion of a challenging project in a location known for strong winds and currents.
