The story of this place
On March 19, 1932, as Premier Jack Lang prepared to officially open the bridge, Francis de Groot—a member of the ultra-right-wing New Guard—galloped forward on horseback and slashed the ceremonial ribbon with a cavalry sword before the Premier could cut it. De Groot was wearing full military uniform for his dramatic protest against the state government. Sixteen workers died during the bridge's construction, but de Groot's theatrical act stole the headlines. Today, you can climb the bridge for $174—or remember the day a man with a sword stole the show.