Today in History: Golden Gate Bridge
Today in History–May 27–the Library of Congress features the Golden Gate Bridge, opened on this date in 1937. The orange suspension bridge was the longest at the time, spanning 4,200 feet and connecting San Francisco to the south with Marin County, California to the north. Lead engineer Joseph Baermann Strauss stressed safety during the bridge building, instituting the wearing of hard hats and installing a net underneath the construction that saved 19 lives. Find out more about the Half-Way-to-Hell Club” and other tantalizing trivia tidbits by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access Golden Gate and related primary sources.
“To Bridge the Golden Gate” The Hays Free Press (Hays, Kan.), 23 Oct. 1919
“Golden Gate Bridge: Plans Are Disclosed” The Washington Times (Washington [D.C.]), 29 Dec. 1922
More Golden Gate Bridge historical newspaper coverage
Panoramic view of the Golden Gate 1902 film
Books & other texts about the Golden Gate
“California Here I Come” illustrated song recording sung by Al Jolson
75 Years & Counting: The Golden Gate Bridge Picture This blog
San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge Completed and Opened from America’s Library
Related resources