The Day 200,000 People Walked the Bridge
Before a single car crossed, San Francisco threw the greatest walking party in American history.
Image taken by Daniel Schwen / CC BY-SA 3.0
The bridge is yours — use it, enjoy it, and tell your children and your grandchildren that you were here today.
— Angelo Rossi, Mayor of San Francisco
The Day 200,000 People Walked the Bridge (1937)
On May 27, 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge held its Pedestrian Day, welcoming around 200,000 walkers who crossed the iconic span, establishing it as a symbol of the people rather than just a transportation link.
What happened: On May 27, 1937, the day before the official vehicular opening, the Golden Gate Bridge hosted Pedestrian Day, drawing a crowd of approximately 200,000 people who walked across the bridge. This event was organized by chief engineer Joseph Strauss and Mayor Angelo Rossi of San Francisco, with assistance from Frank Merriman, the bridge’s construction manager. Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District details the historic day.
Why it matters: This event marked the Golden Gate Bridge as a symbol of the people, not just a bridge for cars. It highlighted the bridge’s importance to the community and set a precedent for future anniversary celebrations, reinforcing its status as a cultural landmark. The bridge’s popularity among pedestrians has continued to grow, making it a beloved part of San Francisco’s identity.
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Why This Mattered
Pedestrian Day preceded the official vehicular opening by one day and drew roughly 200,000 walkers — many crossing back and forth all day. It established the bridge as a populist symbol, belonging to ordinary people rather than automobiles, a tradition echoed by anniversary walks ever since.
