The world's most iconic steel wonder: the Golden Gate Bridge

Under the guidance of chief engineer Joseph B. Strauss, construction began in January 1933 and encountered extreme difficulties. Powerful tides, frequent storms, and dense fog impeded progress. On August 14, 1933, a cargo vessel collided with the access trestle in heavy fog, causing significant damage. Workers faced perilous conditions, including underwater rock blasting to install earthquake-resistant foundations. An innovative safety net system saved 19 lives, but tragically failed on February 17, 1937, under the weight of collapsed scaffolding, resulting in 10 fatalities. With one additional accidental death, the project saw 11 casualties over four years. The bridge opened to traffic on May 28, 1937, ahead of schedule and under budget. Its main span measures 1,280 meters, supported by towers standing 227 meters tall, with the deck suspended 81 meters above the water. It retained the world’s longest span record until 1964.