5 January 1933

Construction of the Golden Gate Bridge begins in San Francisco Bay.

The Golden Gate Bridge, an iconic symbol of San Francisco and an engineering marvel, was completed in 1937 after four years of construction. Designed by Joseph Strauss, with contributions from architect Irving Morrow and engineer Leon Moisseiff, the bridge was conceived to connect San Francisco to Marin County across the treacherous waters of the Golden Gate Strait. At the time of its completion, it was the longest and tallest suspension bridge in the world, with a main span of 4,200 feet and towers rising 746 feet above the water. Despite initial skepticism about the feasibility of constructing a bridge in an area known for strong tides, fog, and frequent earthquakes, the project overcame significant challenges. Its bold International Orange color was chosen both for visibility in fog and for aesthetic harmony with the natural surroundings. The bridge, celebrated as a testament to human ingenuity and resilience, remains one of the most photographed and admired structures worldwide.