The Gothic Cathedral of Steel: Portland’s Iconic St. Johns Bridge.
- Steph's Nomad Photography
- Feb 16
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 16
The St. Johns Bridge is often called the "Grand Lady of Portland" for a reason. It is widely considered one of the most beautiful suspension bridges in the world, serving as a majestic gateway between Northwest Portland (Linnton) and the St. Johns neighborhood.
Here is why it is so historic and significant:
1. Architectural Style: "Gothic Cathedral"
Unlike most industrial-looking bridges, the St. Johns was designed with a Gothic Revival aesthetic.
The Towers: The 400-foot-tall steel towers feature pointed arches and "spires" that mimic the windows and doors of medieval cathedrals.
The Park: The bridge is so iconic that the area beneath its eastern base was named Cathedral Park, because the concrete piers look like the vaulted ceilings of a grand church.
2. Engineering Milestones
Completed in 1931, the bridge was a marvel of its time, designed by the world-renowned engineer David B. Steinman.
The Length: At the time of its completion, it was the longest suspension bridge west of the Mississippi River.
Innovation: It was the first bridge to use main steel towers without conventional diagonal bracing, giving it a light, "airy" look despite its massive size.
Aviation Lights: It was the first bridge to ever feature aviation clearance lights on its towers to warn passing aircraft.
3. The "Verde Green" Story
The bridge’s famous green color wasn’t an accident. Engineer David Steinman chose "Verde Green" because he wanted the bridge to blend in with the lush evergreen trees of the surrounding Forest Park hills.
Fun Fact: Some officials originally wanted the bridge painted in bright yellow and black stripes for better visibility for planes landing at the nearby airport, but Steinman successfully fought for the green.
4. Great Depression History
Construction began in September 1929—just one month before the Stock Market Crash. Because the funds had already been secured, the project continued throughout the Great Depression, providing critical jobs for hundreds of local workers when employment was scarce. Amazingly, the project was finished in 21 months and came in $1 million under budget.
5. Why It’s "Historic" Today
The Only One: It is the only major suspension bridge in the Willamette Valley and the northernmost bridge in Portland.
Pop Culture: Because of its dramatic look, it has appeared in numerous films and TV shows (including Grimm and Portlandia).
Gateway to Nature: It provides the primary link for hikers and commuters heading from the city into the massive wilderness of Forest Park.
Google Maps link to St John's Historic Bridge:
St John's Cathedral Park information
For the 2026 events in the St. Johns area, applications are currently opening up, and early planning for the music lineups is underway.
Cathedral Park Jazz Festival (July 17–19, 2026)
The Jazz Society of Oregon is currently celebrating the festival's 46th anniversary.
While the final daily schedule for 2026 hasn't been posted yet, here is the current status:
Performer Applications: The application window for the 2026 festival is currently open.
Musicians and groups can apply through the Jazz Society of Oregon's website to be considered for the lineup.
Website: https://jazzoregon.org/performers-application-46th-annual-cathedral-park-jazz-festival?hl=en-US
Volunteering: They are also actively seeking volunteers for the 2026 event.
Typical Schedule: The festival usually runs Friday evening (starting around 4:30 PM) through Sunday night, featuring a mix of local legends and rising stars in jazz, blues, and soul.
St. Johns Bizarre (May 9, 2026)
This street fair coincides with the St. Johns Parade and is one of Portland's largest community festivals.
Vendor Applications: The application process for the 2026 St. Johns Bizarre traditionally opens on February 1st.
Priority Deadline: Applications received by March 1st typically receive priority consideration.
Vendor Categories: They accept juried craft vendors, food vendors, and community groups. In 2025, they hosted a record 200+ vendors.
Music Lineup: The Bizarre features multiple stages (up to 4 in recent years). Specific acts are usually announced in early April. Past performers have included local favorites like Pete Krebs and Farnell Newton.
Location: The event takes place in the heart of downtown St. Johns (N Lombard St. and N Philadelphia Ave.).
Note for Vendors: If you are interested in the St. Johns Farmers Market (which operates nearby on Saturdays), their 2026 applications are also open now, with a priority deadline of March 1st.
Website: https://jazzoregon.org/performers-application-46th-annual-cathedral-park-jazz-festival?hl=en-US
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