Construction of Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge across the strait connecting San Francisco Bay to the Pacific Ocean, linking the city of San Francisco with Marin County. It was built from 1933 to 1937 under chief engineer Joseph Strauss, with major contributions from the engineer Charles Ellis and the architect Irving Morrow, who chose the Art Deco styling and the color known as International Orange. With a main span of 1,280 metres, it was the longest suspension span in the world until 1964. Building it in the strong currents and fog of the strait was a challenge, and a safety net helped save the lives of many workers, though eleven men died. The bridge is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the United States.

Open on the timeline