A Colorado Springs Adventure That is Also An Architectural Wonder — The Royal Gorge Bridge
In 1929, the world’s highest suspension bridge was constructed — The Royal Gorge Bridge.
Although the Royal Gorge Bridge may no longer hold that title, let’s think about where we were in terms of technology in 1929.
In 2020, a construction like this doesn’t seem that impressive. We now have the technology to construct buildings, bridges, spaceships, cars, and everything in between.
However, in 1929, the first flight around the world took place; scientists had virtually no idea what was beyond Earth, and the most common car people drove in was Henry Ford’s, Model T.
With all this being said, it really puts in perspective how amazing the construction of a 1,260-foot bridge over the Arkansas Bridge really is.
The Royal Gorge Bridge is located an hour south of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and is the perfect excursion for a Colorado Springs adventure.
Here are a few other fun historical facts about the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park.
What Makes The Royal Gorge Bridge, “America’s Bridge?”
As we just stated, the bridge was built in 1929, it has seen the majority of our country’s historical events. Beginning its longstanding history, the bridge was constructed with roughly 80 workers happy to have a job, right before the Great Depression hit.
The bridge utilized American workers and American ingenuity, which put the United States in the spotlight all around the world as having just built the world’s highest suspension bridge.
The bridge is 100% American, and it sits next to America’s Mountain — Pikes Peak.
It is America’s highest bridge today. With all of these long-standing connections to American history, the Royal Bridge is obviously “America’s Bridge.”
Construction Took Only A Few Months & It was Super Expensive
In fact, the Royal Gorge Bridge was built in seven months, and no serious injury or death occurred during the construction of the bridge.
This is particularly monumental because in today’s day and age, according to the experts the majority of construction projects are notoriously late and report many serious injuries.
Although the Royal Gorge Bridge was constructed quickly and safely, it was outrageously over budget — about $100,000 over budget, which today would equivocate to about $20 million dollars.
Whoa.
A Place That Participated In Hosting Records and Historical Happenings
Since the Royal Gorge Bridge’s opening, the bridge has hosted approximately 27 million visitors and experienced some of history’s most historically significant events.
Some of the historical events the bridge has experienced include the Great Depression, WWI & WWII, and many more.
Along with these historical events, it also hosted Franklin Roosevelt. Roosevelt claimed the bridge to be “one of the finest scenic spots in the whole of the United States.”
The wonderful thing about the Royal Gorge Bridge is you don’t need to be an extreme adventurer to enjoy the Royal Gorge Bridge. However, there have been several previous extreme events take place at the bridge before. Some of these things include presidential visits, a stage for several movies, movie star visits including John Wayne, free rappelling records, jet pack flight, and more.
The experiences and events the bridge has hosted and been a part of, all come together to make it an architectural wonder.
What Are You Waiting For?
There’s no denying the amazing stories and history that is associated with the Royal Gorge Bridge. From the construction to the experience, and everything in between, the bridge is definitely an architectural wonder.
What are you waiting for? Have you chosen to make the Royal Gorge Bridge your next Colorado Springs adventure? Buy your tickets now and be part of the wonder.