The Tacoma Narrows Bridge was an engineering marvel of its time, celebrated for its elegant design and significant span across the Tacoma Narrows strait in Washington State. Its construction, which began in 1938, was notable not only for its innovative design but also for its financial backing, significantly supported by the public through investment bonds. Opening in July 1940, it was the third-longest suspension bridge in the world, yet its aesthetics were overshadowed by structural issues that would soon arise. Just months after its grand opening, the bridge faced strong winds on November 7, 1940. As the gusts intensified, the bridge began to oscillate in a manner that was later termed aeroelastic flutter. The phenomenon, which had not been fully understood by engineers of the time, caused the bridge to sway dramatically before collapsing into the water below. Eyewitnesses reported an extraordinary sight as the bridge twisted and deformed before breaking apart.

The collapse was sudden and violent, capturing the attention of onlookers, including motorists who had just crossed the bridge. As the structure fell, only a few individuals were present, but the incident marked a significant moment in engineering history. Investigations following the collapse provided critical insights into the effects of wind on long-span bridges and fostered advancements in aerodynamics and design practices that would influence future constructions. This tragedy served as a cautionary tale, leading to rigorous new standards in bridge engineering to prevent similar failures in the future, influencing both design and construction methodology significantly in the decades that followed.