Gig Harbor, Washington: Galloping Gertie Relics

The first Tacoma Narrows Bridge, an elegant suspension bridge, was nicknamed "Galloping Gertie" because it swayed so much in the wind. It collapsed in 1940. Rusty pieces on display in the Harbor History Museum may be all that's left of it.

Harbor History Museum

Address:: 4121 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor, WA
Directions:: Harbor History Museum. WA-16 exit at Wollochet Drive. If exiting from the south, continue straight onto Stinson Ave.; if exiting from the north, turn left onto Wollochet, then left again onto Stinson. Follow Stinson for about one mile. At the traffic circle take the second exit onto Harborview Drive. Follow Harborview about a half-mile. The museum is on the right, just before the right-hand turn onto North Harborview Drive.
Hours:: W-Sa 11-4 (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:: 253-858-6722

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Galloping Gertie remnants?

Harbor History Museum

The Harbor History Museum exhibits remnants of "Galloping Gertie," the collapsed Tacoma Narrows Bridge, maybe. Galloping Gertie was a suspension bridge that opened in 1940 across the notoriously windy Tacoma Narrows, connecting Tacoma to Gig Harbor. The bridge lasted only about four months before the winds caused the bridge to sway and then collapse. Rusty pieces are on display in the Harbor History Museum, fished out of the water, and are believed to be from the bridge, but for some reason historians aren't 100 percent sure.

The museum is free as long as you sign in, and it has other local history exhibits.

[Clark W, 10/08/2022]