The Golden Gate Bridge spans the area of water known as the Golden Gate where the San Francisco Bay drains into the Pacific. The bridge is a suspension type construction, completed in 1937 under the supervision of Joseph B. Strauss. The main span is 1,280 meters (4,200 feet) long and is suspended from cables, which attaches to the 227 meter (746 foot) high towers. The midpoint of the highway is 81 meters (265 feet) above the water.

The bridge’s construction met with many difficulties including rapid tides, frequent storms and fog. At one point a cargo vessel collided with the access trestle, causing major damage. Other problems were encountered while trying to blast the rock under the water to lay the earthquake-proof foundation.

The Golden Gate had the longest main span in the world from its construction until the building of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge in New York City, 1964. It still remains incomparable in its magnificent setting.