Allis in Love

San Francisco, California

History

• Conception & Need: Before the bridge, the only way between San Francisco and Marin County was by ferry. The idea for a bridge was first proposed in the early 20th century.
• Approval: Many opposed it building the bridge. Most engineers said it couldn’t be done, the military worried about security, and ferry companies didn’t want competition. However, civic engineer Joseph Strauss pushed the project through.
• Construction: Began January 5, 1933 during the Great Depression, providing thousands of jobs.
• Completion: Opened May 27, 1937 after just over 4 years of work.
• Cost: About $35 million at the time (roughly $600M today).
• Legacy: At its opening, it was the longest and tallest suspension bridge in the world.

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Architectural Design

• Type: Suspension bridge.
• Length: ~1.7 miles (2.7 km).
• Main Span: 4,200 feet (1,280 m) between the two towers.
• Height: Towers rise 746 ft (227 m) above the water.
• Color: The famous “International Orange” was chosen to make it visible in San Francisco’s fog and to complement the natural surroundings.
• Designers: Joseph Strauss (chief engineer), with major contributions from Charles Alton Ellis (structural engineer) and Leon Moisseiff (bridge design), and consulting architect Irving Morrow (who suggested the color and art-deco details).

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Interesting Facts

• Iconic Status: Considered one of the Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers.
• Fog & Visibility: Its towers sometimes disappear into the fog, making it look like a road into the clouds.
• Earthquake Resistance: Built before modern seismic codes, but later retrofitted to withstand strong earthquakes.
• Traffic: Today, about 112,000 vehicles cross daily.
• Pedestrians & Cyclists: Walkways on either side allow walking or biking across.
• Movies & Culture: Featured in countless films, books, and photos—often symbolizing freedom, change, or the West Coast spirit.

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✨ In your photo, you’re at one of the most popular lookout points, the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center / Vista Point, which perfectly frames the bridge with the bay and Marin headlands in the background.