The Golden Gate Bridge was built to remedy the need to move people and products in and out of San Francisco via ferry due to the city being located on a peninsula in San Francisco Bay. The city was effectively cut off from areas around it and was being limited in its growth and business potential as it headed into the 20th century.
The Golden Gate Bridge was designed originally by Joseph Strauss. By the time the approval came through for the bridge, changes were suggested due to advancements in science and materials, which led to the design that is a familiar part of the landscape today. The bridge cost 35 million dollars to build in 1937. Strauss was able to complete the project on time, within budget and without cutting any corners to save money.
The building of the two towers on either end of the bridge was a challenge on its own. One tower was built on dry ground, but the other had to have a support built over 1,000 feet out into the water. This was accomplished by putting concrete walls into the water that were deep enough break the surface of the water. The water inside the walls was then pumped out from within the walls, and concrete was poured in to make the base for the towers. The towers were just one of many challenges overcome in the construction.