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Bright Lights, Big Bridge: GW Bridge's Beacon Turns 75
By
tien mao
Published Aug 4, 2010
Modified Feb 25, 2011
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By
tien mao
Published Aug 4, 2010
Modified Feb 25, 2011
Share
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This November, a light beacon atop the New York tower of the George Washington Bridge turns 75. It's no ordinary beacon though. The beacon was installed in honor of Wiley Post, the famed pilot, and Will Rogers, the renowned humorist. The two died on August 15, 1935 in a plane crash in Alaska. Officially known as the Will Rogers-Wiley Post Memorial Beacon, the beacon is still the original one dedicated on November 30th, 1935.
When installed, the beacon was one of the world's largest and The New York Times reported that it would "serve three of the principal airways connecting New York with the rest of the country." Speakers in attendance on the day of dedication included New York Mayor Fiorello La Guardia and Mrs. Wiley Post, who was the guest of honor. The beacon was refurbished in the 1960s and is no longer used as a primary navigation tool. On occasion though, airplanes out of LaGuardia Airport still use the beacon and the FAA requires the beacon to be on at night.
This morning, the Port Authority invited us 640 feet above the Hudson River for a chance to take a photos of the septuagenarian beacon and to take in the stunning views.
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George Washington Bridge
Wiley Post
Will Rogers
Will Rogers-Wiley Post Memorial Beacon
tien mao
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