Why the GWB Name Fight Was a Big Deal in 1931

The George Washington Bridge, or GWB, wasn't always known by that name. For the first four years, it was called the Hudson River Bridge. This made sense because it spans the Hudson River, connecting New Jersey and New York. But in 1931, things changed. The Port of New York Authority decided to rename it the George Washington Memorial Bridge. This didn't go down well with the people of New Jersey. The public was not happy. They felt the name change was forced on them. A vote was held, and the Hudson River Bridge won by a landslide. But the officials ignored the results. They said the name George Washington had more national significance. This was seen as a way to honor Washington's upcoming 200th birthday.People in New Jersey suggested other names. Some wanted it named after Grover Cleveland, the only U. S. president born in New Jersey. Others proposed names like the Fort Lee Bridge or the Liberty Bridge. But the Port Authority stuck to their decision. They even refused to share the full vote results, which made people even more upset. For a while, the old name stuck around. Bus routes, businesses, and ferry tickets still used the name Hudson River Bridge. But over time, the new name became more accepted. Today, most people just call it the GWB. It's short, easy to say, and has become part of the local lingo. This whole situation shows how important names can be to people. It's not just about a label; it's about identity and pride. The GWB name fight was a big deal in 1931, and it's a reminder of how people value their local landmarks.