How many years did it take to build the Golden Gate Bridge?

Spanning the turbulent waters of the Golden Gate strait was once considered an impossible dream. Engineers had to contend with powerful tides, frequent fog, strong winds, and a seabed more than 300 feet below the surface. Despite these monumental challenges and the economic hardship of the Great (Review) Depression, construction on the iconic bridge officially began on January 5, 1933.

The ambitious project was a triumph of ingenuity and a major source of employment during a difficult era. Chief Engineer Joseph Strauss made worker safety a top priority, implementing then-novel measures like mandatory hard hats and a massive safety net suspended below the construction site. This net famously saved the lives of 19 men, who became known as the "Halfway to Hell Club."

After just over four years of daring work, the final rivet was driven into place. The Golden Gate Bridge officially opened to the public on May 27, 1937. From its groundbreaking in 1933 to its completion in 1937, the construction timeline spanned five different calendar years, cementing its place as a wonder of the modern world.