San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge Opened on May 27, 1937

MONROE, La. (KNOE) - San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Bridge opened on May 27, 1937. The opening day was called “Pedestrian Day.” Around 200,000 people walked across the 4200-foot-long suspension bridge on that day. It opened the next day to motor vehicles.

The concept of bridging the Golden Gate Strait dates back to the 1870’s, but it was not until bridge engineer Joseph Strauss came up with a combination cantilever-suspension design in 1921 that plans began in earnest. Strauss said it could be built for $27 million.

As plans developed over the years, the design evolved from simple to the Art Deco structure known today. The orange color paint was selected to resist rust and fading, and it blends with the area’s sunsets.

To finance the bridge, a Bridge and Highway District was formed in 1928, with San Francisco, Marin, Sonoma, Del Norte, and parts of Mendocino and Napa counties participating. They agreed to back a bond that would be paid back through bridge tolls. The budget was set at $35 million.

Construction began in January, 1933. Despite the Great Depression, strong tides, frequent storms, and fogs, work progressed. The crew blasted into rock 65 feet below the water to build earthquake-proof foundations. During these years, eleven men died on site.

The Golden Gate Bridge still stands today as an architectural marvel. Its towers reach 746 feet, and it extends 1.7 miles. During daylight savings time the pedestrian bridge walk is open between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. It is part of the National Park Service Presidio of San Francisco.