Some History On The New River Gorge Bridge
There's More Going On At The Bridge Than Just Jumping Off Of It
Bridge Day is a festival that only happens once a year (third Saturday in October, always). The other 364 days, the bridge stands as one of the engineering marvels of the modern world.
It's an incredible 3030 feet long, and the arch is 876 above the river. The entire structure weighs an unimaginable 88 million pounds. The concept is so modern that it's amazing to think that the project was dreamed up in the fifties. And its completion turned a 45 minute car trip into a 45 second zip across from one side to the other.
The bridge took 3 years to complete. When it was finally finished in 1977, West Virginia had a new symbol for the state.
And a new reason to throw a party. With the bridge finished, there was a new miracle of the modern age to come see. It wasn't enough for Fayette County to simply erect an overlook and open the road. On October 22, 1977, the whole state came out to walk across the bridge.
That tradition has been carried on. For two years after the opening of the bridge, there was no Bridge Day. But soon after, parachutists began gathering in the fall to try their hand at flying, West Virginia style.
Those humble beginnings are our roots. We still gather to celebrate the bridge, and all that it offers the New River Gorge. It may have sped up the trip, but it slowed us down in a way that makes us appreciate this particular part of the Mountain State, all year long.
You can come celebrate the bridge's history, too. In just about any way that fits your vacation.
