The Golden Gate Bridge, spanning 1.7 miles across the Golden Gate Strait, is an internationally recognized and celebrated symbol of San Francisco, California. Its iconic orange color, Art Deco design, and breathtaking views of the Bay Area have made it one of the most visited landmarks in the United States. Here is everything you need to know about the Golden Gate Bridge.
The History Of The Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge’s construction began in 1933 and was completed in 1937. It took four years, over 10,000 workers, and $35 million dollars to build, making it the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time of its completion. The bridge’s chief engineer, Joseph Strauss, devoted 13 years of his life to the project and is credited with leading the construction and design of the bridge.
The Design Of The Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge’s Art Deco design was created by Strauss and architect Irving Morrow. Morrow was responsible for designing the iconic elements of the bridge, including the towers, cables, and lighting. The bridge’s color was initially designed to be black and yellow, but after several other colors were considered, it was ultimately decided that the bridge would be painted a bright orange color known as "International Orange." The color was chosen for both practical and aesthetic reasons; it provided visibility in the notoriously foggy Bay Area weather and also complimented the natural surroundings of the bridge.
The Bridge’s Technical Specifications
The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge that spans 1.7 miles across the Golden Gate Strait. It is made up of two 746-foot-tall towers that support the bridge’s cables, which are made up of 27,572 strands of wire. The bridge itself is 90 feet wide and can accommodate up to six lanes of traffic, as well as pedestrians and bicyclists. The bridge’s roadway is suspended by two main cables, which are each held in place by 80,000 miles of wire.
Visiting The Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is open to vehicle traffic, pedestrian traffic, and bicyclists. There are several designated areas for pedestrians to walk and take in the views of the Bay Area, including the East and West Sidewalks, which offer stunning views of the city skyline, Alcatraz Island, and the Golden Gate Strait. Those who want to take a closer look at the bridge’s design and history can visit the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center, which offers exhibits, tours, and souvenirs.
Fun Facts About The Bridge
- The Golden Gate Bridge was once the longest suspension bridge in the world, but has since been surpassed by several other bridges, including Japan’s Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and China’s Qingdao Haiwan Bridge.
- The bridge’s color wasn’t always going to be orange; other proposed colors included black and yellow, red and white, and aluminum.
- Before the bridge was built, the Golden Gate Strait was considered impassable by boat due to its treacherous currents and strong winds.
- The bridge has been the site of many film productions, including "The Rock" and "The Hulk."
In conclusion, the Golden Gate Bridge is a remarkable achievement in engineering, design, and history. Its iconic status as a symbol of San Francisco and the United States draws visitors from all around the world, and its stunning views and impressive scale continue to captivate those who visit.