The iconic Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Bridge was initially created to connect the bustling cosmopolitan city of San Francisco, to its northern, more isolated suburban neighbors. According to the History Channel, prior to the construction of the bridge, the only way to travel between these two locations was by ferry boat. In 1919, a Chicago engineer and Ohio native by the name of Joseph Strauss was appointed and hired as the bridge’s chief engineer. This was no easy feat.
Not only did it cost millions of dollars but there was also a lot of resistance from people like city officials, environmentalists, and of course many ferry operators who feared the future of their businesses. Additionally, those in opposition were also adamantly concerned that no bridge would be unable to withstand major natural disasters that were somewhat common in the area, like the earthquake that shook up San Francisco in 1906.
The Eiffel Tower Then
Believe it or not, the city actually built the Eiffel Tower as an entrance to the World Fair of 1889. Of all the artists who submitted proposals, it was the architect, Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel that ultimately received the honor of constructing the great Parisian monument. It is notable to point out that it was actually one of his employees, Maurice Koechlin—not Eiffel himself—that devised the Eiffel Tower’s original design and conception. When the Eiffel Tower first made its debut at 1,000 feet high was deemed the tallest building in the world.
Despite its popularity today, back then many Parisians hated it as they either feared the structure was unsound or believed that it was nothing more than an annoying eyesore. It was even scheduled for demolition in 1909, with the arrival of World War I but was put on hold, as the tower ultimately proved to be a vital radiotelegraph station for the country and its Allies.
The Eiffel Tower Today
Today the Eiffel Tower is considered one of the “most recognizable structures on the planet." To ensure proper maintenance of the structure, 500 employees are tasked with keeping up the tower’s daily operations, including restaurant workers, elevator operators, security guards, and crowd organizers, who control the vital flow of the crowds that flock in and out of the Eiffel Tower’s platforms.
Here, guests are just a short elevator ride away from breathtaking, panoramic views of Paris, viewable at the three different access points of the tower. For those looking to splurge, two of these levels of the Eiffel Tower actually contain restaurants, where one can sit by candlelight while taking in the beauty that is Paris, France.
The Golden Gate Bridge Today
Despite all the structural issues and opposition surrounding the Golden Gate Bridge, the iconic art deco-designed stands strong. Indeed, throughout the bridges’ building, workers were faced with various dangerous obstacles, but with the placement of one sturdy supporting net, many workers were saved from accidentally plunging to their deaths. But tragedy struck in 1937, after a piece of scaffold unluckily and unexpectedly plummeted straight through the safety net.
As a result, 10 construction workers fatally fell through the net, and to their eventual deaths. Despite these devastating fatalities, after only four years, the bridge was completed on March 6, 1933. In February of 1986, the 1 billionth car would cross the Golden Gate Bridge. Today, nearly 2 billion vehicles have passed over the bridge. On average, over 41 million vehicles cross the bridge every year.
The Brandenburg Gate Then
Constructed between 1788 and 1791 by Prussian King Frederick William II, the Brandenburg Gate was originally intended to serve as a key point of entry to the city of Berlin. The sculpture of a four-horsed chariot driven by the goddess Victoria was inspired by the legendary Greek Acropolis in Athens, the Quadriga. It is considered the gate’s most distinctive feature and was even stolen by Napoleon Bonaparte in October of 1806.
The Gate’s most prominent feature was later reclaimed and restored and went on to remain and endure throughout much of Germany’s toughest times, including the nation’s Nazi rule during World War II. This statue would go on to survive not only World War II but also later The Cold War.