Construction of the Golden Gate Bridge May 27, 1937 was Pedestrian Day in San Francisco. This kicked off a week-long celebration of the new Golden Gate Bridge. Pedestrian Day meant that the bridge was open to foot traffic for 25 cents per person. About 200,000 people paid the fee and crossed the 1.7-mile span in their walking shoes or on roller skates. For the first time, it was possible to walk across the San Francisco Bay, from the northern tip of San Francisco to the southern end of Marin County. Automobile traffic was permitted the next day at noon. Before…
A History of Alcatraz Island Alcatraz Island is a small isle with a colorful history. Located in the San Francisco Bay, the land has filled important functions for the United States since Californias Gold Rush. Today it is best known for housing the Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary. Alcatraz Island has been a national recreation area since 1963. The island first became known to Europeans in 1775. That year, Spanish naval officer Juan de Ayala discovered it while charting the San Francisco Bay. He named the land mass La Isla de los Alcatrices, which translates to Pelican Island. Spain put the island…
The Washington Monument, which is visible from almost everywhere in Washington, D.C., is truly a city landmark. The 555-foot tall obelisk has punctuated the National Mall since 1884. It honors George Washington, Father of the United States, who was unanimously elected the nations first President. When George Washington died in 1799, Congress praised him as First in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his countrymen. Politicians proposed a Washington monument in the early 1800s, but they disagreed about details. For example, should the monument include Washingtons tomb? Would it be appropriate to depict him in ancient Greek…
