Presidio of San Francisco in San Francisco City and County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Men of Vision
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, November 14, 2009
1. Men of Vision Marker
Joseph Strauss dreamed of a golden bridge spanning San Francisco Bay.
But people opposed it fearing it would never survive the strong tides, it would lower property values, it would ruin the view. More than 2,000 lawsuits were filed to stop the project.
Strauss persevered and, in 1930, at last won approval for a bond issue. But then the Great Depression settled over America and no one dared buy the first six million dollars in bonds to start construction.
Finally Strauss came to A.P. Giannini, founder of Bank of America. Giannini also had a vision — of serving fully California's growth.
Giannini asked one question: “How long will this bridge last?”
Struass replied, “Forever!” If cared for, it should have “life without end.”
Giannini said, “California needs that bridge! We'll buy the bonds.”
In 1933, the Golden Gate Bridge was begun.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Bridges & Viaducts.
Location. 37° 48.48′ N, 122° 28.522′ W. Marker is in San Francisco, California, in San Francisco City and County. It is in Presidio of San Francisco. Marker is located between the Golden Gate Bridge and the ocean west of the Coastal Trail (North of Baker Beach). Touch for map
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Joseph Strauss Legacy Circle (here, next to this marker); Types of Bridges (a few steps from this marker); Tall and Strong (a few steps from this marker); Facts & Figures About the Bridge (a few steps from this marker); Steel, Fog, Salt, Rust, and Paint (a few steps from this marker); Art Deco on a Grand Scale (a few steps from this marker); Battery Lancaster (within shouting distance of this marker); The Golden Gate Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Francisco.
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, November 14, 2009
2. Men of Vision Marker
Photographed By Adam Margolis, May 30, 2016
3. Men of Vision Marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, November 14, 2009
4. Joseph B. Strauss Statue
by Frederick William Schweigardt
by Frederick William Schweigardt
“The Man Who Built The Bridge”
Here at the Golden Gate is the
eternal rainbow that he conceived
and set to form a promise indeed
that the race of man shall
endure unto the ages.
Chief Engineer of the Golden Gate Bridge
1929 - 1937
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, November 14, 2009
5. The Golden Gate Bridge
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, November 14, 2009
6. The Golden Gate Bridge Painted
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, November 14, 2009
7. The Cable
Main Span … 4200 Feet
Length of Cable … 7650 Ft. (2331.7m)
Diameter of One Cable … 363/8 In. (92.4 cm)
Wires in Each Cable … 27,572
Total Wire Used … 80,000 Miles (128.748 km)
Weight of Cable (Suspenders & Accessories) 24,500 Tons (22,226 m. tons)
Cable Contractor: John A. Roebling's Sons Co.
Trenton & Roebling, New Jersey
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 20, 2015, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 565 times since then and 35 times this year. Last updated on April 16, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 20, 2015, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 3. submitted on April 16, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on November 20, 2015, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
