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The Golden Gate Bridge - An American Icon
By Tony Lee
There are many landmarks in the United States that symbolize the love, patriotism, dedication and hard work of Americans.
For example, The Statue of Liberty, located on Ellis Island in New York represents "Freedom & Opportunity". Mt. Rushmore symbolizes American freedom and democracy. The Grand Canyon represents "What Is Great About America". The Golden Gate Bridge is known to people all over the world and symbolizes the "City of San Francisco". Construction of the Golden Gate Bridge began in 1933 and was completed in 1937. It makes a vital connection from city of San Francisco to Marin County. Prior to the construction of the bridge, the only way to commute was by Ferry. This caused an immense amount of harbor traffic and clogged the waterways. Then, in the 1920s, an engineer and bridge builder named Joseph Strauss, suggested that a bridge be built to span the Golden Gate. It was the time of economic uncertainty and the "Great Depression". Because of such an enormous undertaking, Strauss faced many groups who opposed his idea. Not only was the country financially stressed, but another bridge, the "San Francisco Bay Bridge" was already under construction. Many other engineers in the field were also opposed to the project, believing that it could not physically be built and the cost would be far more than anticipated. Strauss continued his efforts and in 1923 with the help of local legislators, the "Association of Bridging the Gate" was formed. The funding for the bridge became available when voters approved $35 million dollars in bonds to begin construction of the bridge. Strauss believed that although many opposed his idea, the building of the bridge would relieve water traffic across the straight and would eventually pay for itself in tolls. And so it was that construction of the Bridge began on January 5, 1933. After four years of construction the Golden Gate Bridge opened for traffic on May 28, 1937. I'm sure Joseph Strauss understood the impact his idea and efforts would have on the people of San Francisco Bay. For it was with the help of the local population legislation that made it happen. Today, people from all over the world come to photograph and experience this magnificent masterpiece and unique work of art. They too understand what this symbol of California and America called "The Golden Gate Bridge" means. It is one of the most photographed man made objects in the world: And for the tourist, to go home without a photo of "her" in the background, is like never having been to San Francisco. She is a tribute to the American Pioneer Spirit and the challenge of making the impossible, happen. To me, she is the symbol of my home, the San Francisco Bay Area. Although Joseph Strauss is no longer with us, his spirit and words from the past lives on as: "At last the mighty task is done", "Resplendent in the western sun", "The Bridge looms mountain high", "Its titan piers grip ocean floor", "Its great steel arms link shore with shore", "Its towers pierce the sky", "Far, far below life’s restless stream", "Unceasingly shall flow", "For this was spun its lithe fine form", "High overhead its lights shall gleam", "To fear not war, nor time, nor storm", "For fate had meant it so". |
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Golden Gate Bridge
Golden Gate Bridge at Sunset
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This intel was contributed by Tony Lee
Tony Lee
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May, 2012
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