George Washington Bridge Construction photos, 1928 - 1931

File — Box: 1

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Collection of 84 photos taken by various photographers during the construction of the George Washington Bridge connecting New York and New Jersey. Specific dates and notes by creator / collector on the back of certain photos.

Dates

1928 - 1931

Conditions Governing Access

Appointments to examine materials must be made in advance. Please e-mail QC.archives@qc.cuny.edu for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Biographical / Historical

The George Washington Bridge is a two-level suspension bridge situated between Fort Lee in New Jersey and at 179th Street near Fort Washington in New York, connecting the two states across the lower Hudson River. Designed by Othmar Ammann in 1923 and approved by both state legislatures in early 1925, construction on what was then called the Hudson River Bridge commenced in October 1927.

Once the 570-foot steel towers supporting the bridge were built, the main cables and steel suspenders were hung from the towers, and construction on the road began in earnest. Between 1927 and 1931, when the top level of the bridge was opened to the public, twelve construction workers were killed in various accidents. The bridge was dedicated and opened on October 24th, 1931. The lower deck would not be completed until construction recommenced in 1958, ultimately opening in 1962.

The photos in this series depict the first bout of work on the bridge, beginning when the bridge towers were already-mid construction. For more information see the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's website.