The Golden Gate Bridge: A Triumph of Engineering (with a Few...Unexpected Snags)
Ah, the Golden Gate Bridge. A majestic structure, a symbol of San Francisco, and...a bit of a deathtrap during construction, at least until they got their safety act together. But hey, that's the price of progress, right? (Although, maybe not 11 whole lives)
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| How Many People Died Making The San Francisco Bridge |
So You're Saying There Were Deaths? (Because Let's Be Honest, That's Why We Clicked)
Yep. Unfortunately, building a massive bridge over a giant, unforgiving body of water can be a tad hazardous. (Especially back in the '30s when safety standards were basically "don't fall, buddy")
The official body count for the Golden Gate Bridge construction is 11 brave souls. (We'll get to their names in a bit, hold your horses) That might seem like a lot, but considering the scale of the project, it's actually a testament to the eventually implemented safety measures. (Seriously, those early construction pics will make your palms sweat)
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Here's the breakdown:
- 10 guys went down in one fell swoop (Literally. A scaffold malfunction, yikes) on February 17, 1937. (Black day for bridge builders)
- There was also one lone wolf fatality earlier that year. (RIP, Kermit Moore, you paved a...well, not exactly a smooth path)
The Halfway to Hell Club: Not Your Average Frequent Flyer Program
But hey, it wasn't all doom and gloom! (Okay, maybe mostly doom) There were actually 19 daredevils who got saved by giant safety nets during construction. (Imagine catching a fall from hundreds of feet in the air? Talk about an adrenaline rush) These lucky stiffs became known as the illustrious "Halfway to Hell Club". (Catchy name, right?)
Tip: Don’t overthink — just keep reading.
So, while there were definitely some bumps in the road (or rather, the bridge), the Golden Gate Bridge stands today as a symbol of human achievement. (And a reminder that safety nets are pretty darn important)
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How To Honor the Fallen Workers?
QuickTip: Read line by line if it’s complex.
There's a plaque at the south side entrance to the west sidewalk of the bridge that commemorates the 11 men who lost their lives. You can take a moment of silence next time you're strolling across the bridge.
Bonus FAQ: How to Avoid a Similar Fate While Sightseeing?
Tip: Read once for gist, twice for details.
The good news is that bridge safety standards have come a long way since the 1930s. (Thank goodness!) So, as long as you don't try to reenact a scene from "Mission: Impossible" while you're sightseeing, you should be perfectly fine.
Here are some quick tips for a safe and enjoyable Golden Gate Bridge experience:
- How to walk the bridge? Stick to the designated pedestrian paths and watch out for cyclists.
- How to take photos? There are plenty of designated pull-off areas for snapping pics. (No need to dangle off the edge)
- How to enjoy the view? Gaze in awe from a safe distance. (The bridge isn't going anywhere, promise)
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