12 Fascinating Facts About the George Washington Bridge

The bridge links sites rich in Revolutionary War history: on one side, the Manhattan side near Fort Washington, and on the other, Fort Lee in New Jersey. Prior to his famed crossing of the Delaware, George Washington had earlier fled the area after an unsuccessful campaign, falling back from Whit e Plains. A few days later Fort Lee would also come under British control.

Noah Bennett

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Two Historic Battlegrounds Straddle the Bridge

Swiss-American Engineer Designed the Iconic Span

While ideas for a large Hudson River crossing had floated around for decades, the design finally took form under Swiss-born engineer Othmar Ammann, working for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. His plan was more economical and simpler than earlier grander visions, which included trains and extravagant cost estimates.

Built on Four Massive Cables That Defined the Design

The bridge is supported by four gigantic cables — each consisting of thousands of steel wires. Those cables anchor in vast concrete blocks and suspend the roadway, forming the backbone of the structure. The total length of steel wire used across the span comes to tens of thousands of miles.

Ahead of Schedule and Below Budget

Although construction began in the late 1920s and the bridge opened in 1931, it was completed eight months ahead of its target date and for about US$59 million—an impressive feat in that era given the scale of the project.

The Name Nearly Changed, But Stayed the Same

The bridge was originally planned under a more generic name (such as “Hudson River Bridge”), but the decision was made to honour George Washington. Despite some opposition and alternative names being proposed, the name stuck.

World’s Longest Suspension Bridge Upon Opening

When it debuted, the George Washington Bridge held the title for the longest suspension bridge main span in the world: 3,500 feet long, surpassing the previous record holder. That distinction lasted until 1937, when the Golden Gate Bridge opened.

Originally Built with Six Lanes of Traffic

At its opening, the bridge carried a six-lane roadway. Within the first year, millions of vehicles crossed it. The structure allowed for future expansion by reserving space in the center lanes.

A Second Deck Added Underneath as Traffic Grew

As traffic demands increased, in the late 1950s and early 1960s a second deck was constructed beneath the original span. This lower level carries additional lanes and helped relieve pressure on the upper deck.

The World’s Busiest Vehicular Bridge

Today, the bridge handles tens of millions of vehicles each year—making it among the busiest, if not the busiest, vehicular bridge globally in terms of traffic volume.

An Engineering Landmark Recognized Nationally

The American Society of Civil Engineers designated the George Washington Bridge a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. Its design and scale have drawn admiration—even celebrated architects such as Le Corbusier reportedly called it “the most beautiful bridge in the world.”

Tolls That Have Risen Dramatically Over Time

Originally, the toll to cross into Manhattan from New Jersey was just 50 cents. Over the decades, amounts steadily increased; by 2011 and beyond, tolls reached well into double-digit dollars for passenger vehicles, reflecting maintenance and usage demands.

Scene of a Major Political Controversy

In September 2013, for several days the bridge’s Fort Lee access lanes were unexpectedly closed, causing massive gridlock. Investigations later revealed the closures were part of a political retaliation scheme involving state officials, earning the episode the nickname “Bridgegate.”

10 Smart Tips for Pairing Shirts with Suits Like a Pro

A well-fitted suit forms the backbone of men’s fashion, but the true artistry lies in choosing the right shirt to complement it. The right combination transforms a standard outfit into a polished statement. From colors and fabrics to subtle details, here are ten essential tips to help you perfect the shirt-and-suit pairing game.

Unraveling the Romance: The Evolution of the Red Rose as a Symbol of Love

This Valentine's Day, the timeless tradition of bestowing red roses upon one's beloved continues, reinforcing the idea that, amid the vast floral array, the red rose stands unparalleled as the ultimate emblem of love. Inquisitive minds might ponder: Why has this particular bloom transcended centuries to become synonymous with romance? A journey through history unravels the captivating tale.

The Golden Snub-Nosed Monkey: A Master of the Chinese Highlands

The golden snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana), frequently referred to as the Sichuan golden snub-nosed monkey, is an Old World primate endemic to the central and southwestern mountainous regions of China. These primates are distributed across specific pockets in East, Central-South, Southwest, and Northwest China. Their presence is dictated by specific ecological conditions, as they favor high-altitude temperate forests. While they can inhabit various woodland types, they are most frequently found in evergreen broad-leaved forests or mixed forests containing deciduous trees.

Broadway Tower: A Timeless Folly of the Cotswolds

Nestled atop Broadway Hill—an elevated vantage point within the rolling, honey-stoned landscape of the Cotswolds—Broadway Tower stands as one of England’s most iconic and intriguing architectural landmarks. Located in the village of Broadway, Worcestershire, within the United Kingdom, this structure is more than just a tower; it is a “folly” — a term in architecture that describes buildings primarily constructed for decorative or symbolic purposes, often boasting elaborate, whimsical designs that transcend purely functional needs. Yet Broadway Tower’s legacy extends far beyond its ornamental roots, weaving through centuries of history, art, politics, and conservation to become a cherished symbol of the Cotswolds’ cultural and architectural heritage.

5 Simple Ways to Create Your Own Cozy Corner at Home

In today’s fast-paced world, we all need a peaceful space to unwind and take a break from the constant hustle. Creating a cozy corner at home is one of the easiest ways to carve out a retreat where you can relax and recharge. This cozy nook can be tucked into any available space in your home, whether it's in a quiet corner of your living room, a nook in your bedroom, or even an underused space like a staircase landing. The best part is that you don’t need to completely redesign your space; with a few thoughtful touches, you can turn any area into your own personal sanctuary.

The World’s Most Remarkable Mountains to Climb

Mountain climbing represents one of the most challenging yet rewarding forms of adventure travel. Beyond the physical demands, each ascent offers cultural insight, natural beauty, and a deeper appreciation of Earth’s geography. The following twelve peaks, located across several continents, illustrate the variety and richness of the world’s climbing destinations.

Fundamentals of Paper Sculpture: A Guide to Origami Animals

Origami, the traditional Japanese practice of transforming paper through folding, has evolved into a globally cherished hobby suitable for enthusiasts of all ages. While certain designs involve high levels of complexity, the craft offers numerous accessible entry points for those just beginning their journey. With nothing more than a perfectly square sheet of paper, you can produce charming representations of cats, frogs, and foxes.

How to Begin Wingsuit Flying: A Guide to Human Flight

A question that often comes up in conversations with seasoned skydivers is about wingsuit flying—and for good reason. This high-adrenaline discipline has captured global attention, with dramatic footage of individuals gliding alongside mountain ridges, soaring past city skylines, illuminating nighttime skies, and even one remarkable instance of a wingsuit landing achieved without a parachute.