1929 : Ambassador Bridge Opens

The Ambassador Bridge between Detroit and Canada was dedicated on November 11, 1929.

Large crowds of 50,000 gathered on the Canadian side and possibly up to 100,000 on the American side. Sirens were sounded from factories and a plane dropped balloons over the center of the bridge. Politicians from both cities gave speeches about the importance of the bridge and the unity it would bring the two cities and countries. After completion, they crossed the bridge and gave the same speech on the other side. When the ribbon was cut spectators from both sides rushed to the center of the bridge and filled it almost completely.

Cornelius L. Henderson, an African American architect, helped design the Ambassador Bridge and later designed the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel.

Ambassador Bridge at Night

For more information:

Historical Society of Michigan

Ambassador Bridge History

Cornelius L. Henderson, an African American architect, helped design the Ambassador Bridge and later designed the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel. Source :  Making Tracks, Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.

“100,000 Cheer Bridge Dedication, Hail Amity”, Detroit Free Press, November 12, 1929, front page.