Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE
As with most of the world's wonders, many said that the Golden Gate Bridge
could never be built - the span was too wide, the ocean too powerful and
deep, and the cost too great. But to many more, the Golden Gate, the name
John Fremont
gave the splendid strait in 1846, demanded the realization of
its dream bridge. In 1872, railroad tycoon Charles Crocker first conceived
the idea, but it took a visionary engineer, Joseph Strauss, to put forth a real-
istic proposal in 1921. After 10 years of opposition from all quarters, funding
was finally secured from
A.P. Giannini
, founder of the Bank of America. The
bridge opened in 1937, and has been an emblem of San Francisco and Amer-
ica's icon on the Pacific ever since.
415 921 5858 •
www.goldengate.org
•
Cruises operate Mar-Oct
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1. DECO STYLE
The bridge owes its striking style to the consulting architect Irving F. Morrow. He
simplified the pedestrian railings to uniform posts placed far enough apart to allow
for unobstructed, breathtaking views.
2. MAINTENANCE
Repairing and painting the bridge is an ongoing task. The paint protects it from the
high salt content in the air, which corrodes the steel components.
View photo
3. FORT POINT LOOKOUT
This National Historic Site was completed in 1861. It offers soaring views of the
bridge's underside and of the ocean's pounding waters.
View photo
