Near Sausalito in Marin County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The Golden Gate Bridge
The dream of spanning the Golden Gate was expressed as early as the 1850's. Michael O'Shaughessy, City Engineer of San Francisco and engineer for San Francisco's Hetch Hetchy water system, was the first to seriously consider and champion construction of the bridge. He proposed the idea to Joseph B. Strauss in 1915, who was to become the Chief Engineer for the Golden Gate Bridge, and the bridge's foremost proponent. The design of the bridge was realized through the expertise of the engineers, Charles Ellis, Charles Derleth, Leon Moisseiff, and O.H. Amman, and the architect, Irving F. Morrow.
Morrow is responsible for the aesthetic details of the bridge, including its International Orange color. He felt this contrasting color would complement the bay's cool gray and blue skies, enhancing the dramatic scale and setting of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Over four years, countless laborers worked to transform drawings into structure. The bridgemen, as they were known, stoically managed extreme heights and massive materials to complete one of the world's most beloved suspension bridges.
Erected by State of California. (Marker Number 974.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Bridges & Viaducts. In addition, it is included in the ASCE Civil Engineering Landmarks, and the California Historical Landmarks series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1937.
Location. 37° 49.935′ N, 122° 28.795′ W. Marker has been damaged. Marker is near Sausalito, California, in Marin County. Marker can be reached from U.S. 101, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Sausalito CA 94965, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies. The Bay Transformed (a few steps from this marker); H. Dana Bowers Memorial Vista Point (within shouting distance of this marker); The Lone Sailor (within shouting distance of this marker); Strengthening an Icon (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Battery Spencer (approx. ¼ mile away); Construction 129 (approx. 1.1 miles away); The Golden Gate (approx. 1.1 miles away); Battery Construction No. 129 (approx. 1.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sausalito.
More about this marker. This marker is located at the Vista Point an the north-end of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Regarding The Golden Gate Bridge. In 1987 the bridge was designated California Historical Landmark No. 974.
Also see . . . Wikipedia Entry. “Many wanted to build a bridge to connect San Francisco to Marin County. San Francisco was the largest American city still served primarily by ferry boats. Because it did not have a permanent link with communities around the bay, the city’s growth rate was below the national average. Many experts said that a bridge could not be built across the 6,700 ft strait, which had strong, swirling tides and currents, with water 372 ft deep at the center of the channel, and frequent strong winds. Experts said that ferocious winds and blinding fogs would prevent construction and operation.” (Submitted on May 21, 2017.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 6, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 1, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 942 times since then and 102 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 1, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 3. submitted on April 28, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 4. submitted on September 5, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. 5, 6. submitted on April 1, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.