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"Galloping Gertie" is the affectionate nickname for the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in Washington State. Construction of Gertie was completed in July 1940, but the span was short-lived. On November 7, 1940 high winds turned the bridge into an undulating, almost liquid, ribbon of steel which soon came crashing down into the river below. Galloping Gertie gave rise to a very famous piece of film, shown countless times to engineering students around the world. The film is also notable for its vintage 1940's ambiance; a time when men wore hats and smoked pipes, Brylcreem was much in vogue, and hard hats were optional.
Galloping Gertie begins to dance
Watch the video. It's that simple.
Nice day for a stroll
Check out the fellow calmly strolling off the about-to-collapse bridge, pipe in hand. I think he was trying to rescue his stranded car.
Down she goes
Take a look at the resource links, directly below, for more information about the rise and fall of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.
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Comments
showpup said
on 5/11/2008 Holy smokes! That was outrageous footage. 5 stars!
pianistic said
on 5/11/2008 Wow. My son and I loved watching that. Thanks.
Gracie1402 said
on 5/11/2008 wow! You really put a lot of time and energy into this- it is great! 5 stars!!
GreenGardenChic said
on 5/5/2008 I love my hometown bridge. Poor dog.
onederland said
on 4/24/2008 Had heard of this in a physics class, but never knew there was a film! Amazing to watch, especially watching people actually standing on it! The undulation was due to the resonance of the bridge.