This Day in History: br Golden Gate Bridge Opens May 27, 1937 200,000 people attended "Pedestrian Day," br the opening day for the architectural marvel. It had been almost five years br since construction began on the br 4,200 foot long bridge. American engineer Joseph Strauss initiated the br proposal for a suspension bridge. It would cross the Golden Gate Strait, br connecting San Francisco and Marin County. Engineer Leon S. Moiseiff, br architect Irving F. Morrow and his wife Gertrude br are credited with the Art Deco design of the bridge. At the time of its completion, br it was the longest bridge in the world. It continues to be a symbol of the U.S., br as well as one of the br most recognized feats of architecture.