# UX282 FDC - 1997 20c Postal Card - Golden Gate Bridge in Daylight
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Opening Of The Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate is a narrow passage of water that connects San Francisco Bay to the Pacific Ocean. Formed by the erosive water from the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers during the Ice Age, the deep channel features powerful tidal currents. Dense fog forms over the region as cool, moist, ocean air travels inland and meets warmer temperatures. The usual thick fog may help to explain why several seasoned explorers failed to discover the Golden Gate until 1769.
The idea of building a bridge across the Golden Gate Strait was proposed as early as 1872. During the early 1900s, many engineers doubted it could be done, and others speculated it would cost as much as $100 million. In 1930, after much discussion, voters within the Golden Gate Bridge and Highway District put their homes, farms, and businesses up as collateral to support a $35 million bond issue to finance building the bridge. The bridge was developed from the imagination of engineer Joseph Strauss, with the help of architect Irving Morrow, bridge designer Leon Moisseiff, and engineer Charles Alton Ellis.
The bridgeâs opening was celebrated with a week of events called Golden Gate Bridge Opening Fiesta Week, lasting from May 27 to June 2. The weekâs events kicked off on May 27 with Pedestrian Day. Some 18,000 people lined up to be among the first to cross the bridge when it opened at 6 a.m. Over the course of the day, about 200,000 people crossed the bridge. Many âfirstsâ were recorded, including the first to run, roller skate, tap dance, ride a unicycle, play the harmonica, push a baby carriage, play the tuba, or cross on stilts. The dayâs events also included a parade and fireworks.
The expoâs theme was âPageant of the Pacific.â With this theme, the exposition looked beyond America, the architecture and flavor reflecting a unique blend of European, Asian, and Latin American influences. The Golden Gate International Exposition was Californiaâs most recent fair of this impressive size.
Click here for a brief video about opening day.
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Opening Of The Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate is a narrow passage of water that connects San Francisco Bay to the Pacific Ocean. Formed by the erosive water from the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers during the Ice Age, the deep channel features powerful tidal currents. Dense fog forms over the region as cool, moist, ocean air travels inland and meets warmer temperatures. The usual thick fog may help to explain why several seasoned explorers failed to discover the Golden Gate until 1769.
The idea of building a bridge across the Golden Gate Strait was proposed as early as 1872. During the early 1900s, many engineers doubted it could be done, and others speculated it would cost as much as $100 million. In 1930, after much discussion, voters within the Golden Gate Bridge and Highway District put their homes, farms, and businesses up as collateral to support a $35 million bond issue to finance building the bridge. The bridge was developed from the imagination of engineer Joseph Strauss, with the help of architect Irving Morrow, bridge designer Leon Moisseiff, and engineer Charles Alton Ellis.
The bridgeâs opening was celebrated with a week of events called Golden Gate Bridge Opening Fiesta Week, lasting from May 27 to June 2. The weekâs events kicked off on May 27 with Pedestrian Day. Some 18,000 people lined up to be among the first to cross the bridge when it opened at 6 a.m. Over the course of the day, about 200,000 people crossed the bridge. Many âfirstsâ were recorded, including the first to run, roller skate, tap dance, ride a unicycle, play the harmonica, push a baby carriage, play the tuba, or cross on stilts. The dayâs events also included a parade and fireworks.
The expoâs theme was âPageant of the Pacific.â With this theme, the exposition looked beyond America, the architecture and flavor reflecting a unique blend of European, Asian, and Latin American influences. The Golden Gate International Exposition was Californiaâs most recent fair of this impressive size.
Click here for a brief video about opening day.