FIRST HORSE
November 13, 1936 - Sundown, owned by champion horseman and California Highway patrolman Mark Freitas of Napa, California, claimed the title of “First Horse to Cross the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.” Sundown crossed for free but the car and trailer paid the toll of 65 cents. Once across the bridge, horse and owner took part in the parade celebrating the Bay Bridge’s opening.
It is unknown if a horse has ever been ridden across the bridge.
(Oakland Tribune Staff Archives)
November 12, 1936 - The San Francisco - Oakland Bay Bridge opened to traffic at 12:30 p.m. with governor Frank Merriam cutting the gold chain with a torch.
The above image is from the 1936 Oakland Tribune Yearbook, which was dedicated to the construction and opening of the bridge.
Yerba Buena Island, CA July 9, 1933 - Former U.S. President Herbert Hoover (center) and California Governor James Rolph Jr. break ground at ceremonies for the San Francisco Bay Bridge. They are flanked by Miss Alameda, Miss Prosperity and Miss Bay Bridge. (Oakland Tribune Staff Archives)
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