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In case you wanted to put things inside of it:

1. You could fit seven Yankee Stadiums inside the Mall of America.

2. Or you could fit 32 Boeing 747s inside the Mall of America.

3. Or you could fit 258 Statues of Liberty inside the Mall of America.

4. The Mall of America has its own counterterrorism unit.

5. If you were to visit the mall and spend 10 minutes inside every store, it would take you 86 hours to complete your journey.

6. It took 13,300 tons of steel to build the Mall of America. That's almost twice the amount it took to build that Tinkertoy the Eiffel Tower.

7. It boasts having a 1.2 million-gallon aquarium.

8. Feeding these aquatic creatures requires more than 100 pounds of food, daily.

9. It cost more than $650 million to build the Mall of America in 1992.

10. And they just confirmed a $325 million expansion of the mall. By the way, a trip to the moon costs roughly $100 million per person.

11. The Mall of America generates almost $2 billion in annual revenue for the state of Minnesota.

12. On Black Friday in 2013, 29-year-old Serge Vorobyov was "cited for disorderly conduct" for throwing $1,000 off the fourth story balcony at the Mall of America. He was inspired to do so by a GEICO commercial.

13. There is a light rail that will take you straight from the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport to the Mall of America. You barely have to step outside.

14. You can get married at the Chapel of Love in the Mall of America. In fact, more than 7,000 people have gotten married at the Mall of America since it opened.

15. The Mall of America used to have a high school in it! Talk about an All-American education.

16. Ever wanted to get lost? The Mall of America has one of the largest mirror mazes on the planet!

17. The Mall of America plans to install two zip lines in the very near future.

18. It has no central heating. Despite Minnesota's hot summers and brutally cold winters, the only parts of the Mall of America that are heated are the entrances. The year-round 70 degree temperature that it averages is maintained by body heat, lighting fixtures, and solar heat from the skylights.

19. The Mall of America uses water-saving toilets. This saves 1.4 million gallons of water a year.

20. The Mall of America boasts 40 million visitors annually.

21. In lieu of pesticides, 72,000 lady bugs were released in the Mall of America to protect its tropical plant life from aphids.

22. Speaking of plant life, moving all of those trees into the Mall of America required the labor of 65 semi-trucks.

23. The Mall of America was built where Metropolitan Stadium once stood (former home of the Vikings and the Twins). There are plaques around marking where home plate was and where iconic home runs landed.

24. Allegedly, one in three visitors comes from at least 150 miles away, while 4 out of 10 visitors are tourists of some kind.

25. The Mall of America holds the world record for having the most Ninja Turtles amassed in one area. There were 836. Previous record: 786.

26. There are more than 520 stores in the Mall of America.

27. The Mall of America produces upward of 4,000 pounds of biodiesel fuel monthly from recycled fryer fat.

28. The Mall of America employs roughly 11,000 employees year round, and about 13,000 during the peak seasons.

29. Contained within two parking ramps, the Mall of America offers 12,550 on-site parking spots.

30. It's the largest mall in the United States, 4.87 million square feet.

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30 Surprising Facts About The Mall Of America

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In case you wanted to put things inside of it: 1. You could fit seven Yankee Stadiums inside the Mall of America. 2. Or you could fit 32 Boeing 747s inside the Mall of America. 3. Or you could fit 258 Statues of Liberty inside the Mall of America. 4.

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Minnesota

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Since opening its doors in 1992, Mall of America ® has revolutionized the shopping experience of tens of millions of visitors a year. A leader in retail, entertainment and attractions, Mall of America is one of the top tourist destinations in the country and is known around the world.

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California

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The coast redwood, the tallest tree on earth, is preserved on thousands of acres of old growth forest in California's Redwood National and State Parks. The park complex is composed of the Redwood National Park, one of America's smaller national parks, and three state parks in California and Oregon, which are home to more than 40 percent of the world's old-growth redwood trees.

History of the Park

National parks in California were suggested as early as the 19th century, and Teddy Roosevelt, one of the pioneers of America's national park system, expressed his support in 1904. However, even with the support of the Redwood League and the Sierra Club, it was not until 1968 that Redwood National Park was signed into life by President Johnson.

Unfortunately, the park's beginnings were humble. Called "The Worm" for its narrow appearance, following Redwood Creek, the preservation of so many redwoods simply increased logging of those available, including right up to the edge of the park. In 1978, the park's boundaries were substantially expanded, roughly doubling the size of the park. These included areas that had already been logged, in the hopes that they could be rehabilitated.

The Trees

A relative of the famous Sequoia, the coastal redwood grows to spectacular heights, making it the tallest tree on earth, with heights of 250 feet being fairly commonplace and 350 feet not unheard of. This redwood is only recognized for its height, however, as it is substantially less girthy than the Sequoia, and it is narrow instead of massive at the base.

Coastal redwoods have been known to live as long as 2,000 years, although a life of around 500 years is more common. The height of a tree does not have a direct correlation to the tree's life, as one might imagine. One of the major reasons for the longevity of these trees is their growth pattern. The trees grow close to each other, interweaving their root structures. This explains why redwoods rarely fall, even though they have a surprisingly shallow root system for such tall trees.

Redwoods are also recognized for their burls. When damaged, a coastal redwood will grow a lumpy, callous-like formation of wood over the injury, creating a knot or burl.

Visitor Centers

Redwood National and State Parks have five visitor centers, each of which features local information, a bookstore, restrooms and picnic areas.

The Hiouchi Information Center features on-site information and exhibits on the preservation of the forests as well as a film about redwoods. A self-guided walk with marked informational waystations leaves from this location. Summer programs include campfires, junior ranger activities and ranger-led tours.

Each of the other visitor centers - Jedediah Smith, Thomas H. Kuchel and Prarie Creek - offer access to local trails and walks, as well as ranger-led activities. Each has an interpretive center with exhibits on the park, the trees and the park's natural residents.

The Crescent City Information Center is located outside the park in Crescent City itself. It offers information on the park and resources, but it is not an interpretive center.

About the Author

Beau Prichard has been a freelance writer and editor since 1999. He specializes in fiction, travel and writing coaching. He has traveled in the United Kingdom, Europe, Mexico and Australia. Prichard grew up in New Zealand and holds a Bachelor of Arts in writing from George Fox University.

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The coast redwood, the tallest tree on earth, is preserved on thousands of acres of old growth forest in California's Redwood National and State Parks. The park complex is composed of the Redwood National Park, one of America's smaller national parks, and three state parks in California and Oregon, which are home to more than 40 percent of the world's old-growth redwood trees.

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Ontario Canada & New York, USA

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Niagara Falls Facts for Kids

Enjoy our fun Niagara Falls facts for kids. Learn interesting information about the Niagara Falls including where they are found, how many visitors see them every year, how tall they are, how they are used to produce electricity and much more. Read on to find out everything you've ever wanted to know about the amazing Niagara Falls!

The Niagara Falls are located on the border of Ontario, Canada and New York, USA.

The Niagara Falls are made up of 3 waterfalls, the American Falls, the Bridal Veil Falls and the Horseshoe Falls.

The Horseshoe Falls are the largest and the Bridal Veil Falls the smallest.

The 3 waterfalls combine to produce the highest flow rate of any waterfall on earth.

The largest vertical drop is over 165 feet (50 metres).

The Niagara Falls were created by glacier activity around 10000 years ago.

The Niagara Falls are a source of hydropower, producing large amounts of electricity.

Hydroelectric stations in the area divert less water during the summer when tourist numbers are high, ensuring a spectacular flow of water for visitors.

The Niagara River drains water from Lake Erie into Lake Ontario.

At the current rate of erosion, scientists believe that the Niagara Falls will be gone in around 50000 years, luckily you still have time to see them!

It is illegal (and not very smart) to go over the Niagara Falls.

A number of people have tried it anyway, some survived, some were injured and some were killed.

The first tightrope walker to cross the Niagara Falls did so in 1859.

In 2012 Nik Wallenda became the first person to cross the Niagara Falls by tightrope in 116 years. He did so after receiving permission from both the Canadian and United States governments, although he was required to carry his passport and present it on entry to the Canadian side of the falls.

The Niagara Falls have long been a popular tourist destination, boosted by a number of movies featuring the falls and even a daring performance by famous Illusionist David Copperfield in 1990.

Goat Island sits in the middle of the Niagara Falls, between Horseshoe Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.

A monument dedicated to Serbian-American inventor Nikola Tesla sits on Goat Island.

The Niagara Falls are visited by around 30 million people every year.

The Niagara Falls State Park is the oldest state park in the United States (1885).

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Fun Niagara Falls Facts for Kids - Interesting Information about the Niagara Falls

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Niagara Falls Facts for Kids Enjoy our fun Niagara Falls facts for kids. Learn interesting information about the Niagara Falls including where they are found, how many visitors see them every year, how tall they are, how they are used to produce electricity and much more.

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Where is Niagara Falls ?

Collectively they are called "Niagara Falls"

Categorized by these three names: American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Canadian Falls

American Falls & Bridal Veil Falls

Length of brink: 1060 feet /323.08 meters

Height: 176 feet / 53.6 meters (due to rocks at the base actual fall is 70 feet/ 21.3 meters)

Volume of water: 150,000 U.S. Gallons / 567,811 Liters per second

Actual amount varies, there are two hydroelectric plants which draw water into their reservoirs prior to the Falls. Their intake greatly affects the volume of water flowing over the falls.
The amount of water being siphoned away depends on two variables. The time of year, and the time of the day. Flow is greatest over the Falls in the daytime during peak tourist season (June, July, and August). In the event of an emergency the flow can be somewhat reduced by the hydroelectric companies increasing their intake.
The Bridal Veil Falls is named for its appearance. It is located next to the American falls, separated by a small piece of land called Luna Island.

Canadian "Horseshoe" Falls

Length of brink: 2600 feet / 792.4 meters

Height: 167 feet / 50.9 meters
Volume of water: 600,000 U.S. gallons / 2,271,247 liters per second

A Brief History of the Falls. Information below graciously provided courtesy of Niagara Parks
Ice Age History of the Niagara River and Whirlpool Rapids
The Niagara River, as is the entire Great Lakes Basin of which the river is an integral part, is a legacy of the last Ice Age. 18,000 years ago southern Ontario was covered by ice sheets 2-3 kilometers thick. As they advanced southward the ice sheets gouged out the basins of the Great Lakes. Then as they melted northward for the last time they released vast quantities of meltwater into these basins. Our water is "fossil water"; less than one percent of it is renewable on an annual basis, the rest leftover from the ice sheets.

The Niagara Peninsula became free of the ice about 12,500 years ago. As the ice retreated northward, its meltwaters began to flow down through what became Lake Erie, the Niagara River and Lake Ontario, down to the St. Lawrence River, and, finally, down to the sea. There were originally 5 spillways from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario. Eventually these were reduced to one, the original Niagara Falls, at Queenston-Lewiston. From here the Falls began its steady erosion through the bedrock.

However, about 10,500 years ago, through an interplay of geological effects including alternating retreats and re-advances of the ice, and rebounding of the land when released from the intense pressure of the ice (isostatic rebound), this process was interrupted. The glacial meltwaters were rerouted through northern Ontario, bypassing the southern route. For the next 5,000 years Lake Erie remained only half the size of today, the Niagara River was reduced to about 10% of its current flow, and a much-reduced Falls stalled in the area of the Niagara Glen.

About 5,500 years ago the meltwaters were once again routed through southern Ontario, restoring the river and Falls to their full power. Then the Falls reached the Whirlpool.

It was a brief and violent encounter, a geological moment lasting only weeks, maybe even only days. In this moment the Falls of the youthful Niagara River intersected an old riverbed, one that had been buried and sealed during the last Ice Age. The Falls turned into this buried gorge, tore out the glacial debris that filled it, and scoured the old river bottom clean. It was probably not a falls at all now but a huge, churning rapids. When it was all over it left behind a 90-degree turn in the river we know today as the Whirlpool, and North America's largest series of standing waves we know today as the Whirlpool Rapids.

The Falls then re-established at about the area of the Whirlpool Rapids Bridge upriver to our right, and resumed carving its way through solid rock to its present location.

Straddling the Canadian-United States International Border and both in the Province of Ontario and the State of New York, Niagara Falls attracts some 12 Million tourists to her majestic awesome beauty each year.

The Niagara is a fairly young river, only 12,000 years old!, a microsecond in geological time. The Niagara Escarpment, which was created by erosion is much older. The glaciers pressed down on the land during the last ice age and laid down layers of sediment, then the slow process of erosion of ice and water ate at the surface of the escarpment
The mighty river plunges over a cliff of dolostone and shale. Niagara Falls is the second largest falls on the globe next to Victoria Falls in southern Africa.

One fifth of all the fresh water in the world lies in the four Upper Great Lakes-Michigan, Huron,Superior and Erie. All the outflow empties into the Niagara river and eventually cascades over the falls.
At the bottom of the falls, the water travels 15 miles over many gorges until it reaches the fifth Great Lake-Ontario. The land between the lakes does not slope at an even grade, but forms a spectacular drop approximately the same height as a 20 story building and this is known as the "Niagara Escarpment" Two billion years ago it was buried under a blanket of ice.

As the years passed, the process of erosion took place, (and still does) five distinct 'gorges' were formed-Lewiston Brange Gorge, Old Narrow Gorge, Upper & Lower Great Gorges and the Whirlpool Narrow Gorge.
Approximately 500 years ago the river encountered an obstacle that caused it to 'split into two channels', thus Goat Island was formed named after John Stedman whose goat herds froze to death in the winter of 1780). This was the original sediment left from a vanished Lake Tonawanda (an Indian name).
On the eastern part of the island, the American Falls took shape, the Horseshoe Falls, is on the western side, where the river angles some 90 degrees. The water flow on the American side of the falls is much less in strength because of Goat Island, whereas Horseshoe Falls has no obstruction to divert it. It should be noted that a third much narrower falls exists. Over the years these falls have been called at different times; Luna Falls, Iris Falls and is currently named Bridal Veil Falls.
Man has not been able to completely control the flow of the water over the falls, even modern engineers have tried. Much of the water today is fed through underground channels and pipes to nearby hydro electric power stations.

Do the Falls Freeze over in the Winter?
Yes and No...... We'll try to explain
The tremendous volume of water never stops flowing, However, the falling water and mist create ice formations along the banks of the falls and river. This can result in mounds of ice as thick as fifty feet. If the winter is cold for long enough, the ice will completely stretch across the river and form what is known as the "ice bridge". This ice bridge can extend for several miles down river until it reaches the area known as the lower rapids.

Until 1912,visitors were allowed to actually walk out on the ice bridge and view the Falls from below. February 24th of 1888 the local newspaper reported that at least 20,000 people watched or tobogganed on the ice. Shanties selling liquor, photographs and curiosities abounded. On February 4th 1912 the ice bridge broke up and three tourists lives were lost.

There can also be a great deal of "mini-icebergs" which flow down the Niagara River from frozen Lake Erie. The flow of ice has been reduced considerably by the yearly installation of the "ice-boom" on Lake Erie. The ice-boom is a long floating chain (2miles- 3.2 KM) of steel floats strung across the Niagara River from Buffalo New York to Fort Erie Ontario. It is set in place during the month of December and removed during the month of March or April. It is maintained by the New York State Power Authority. The ice boom helps prevent the ice from clogging the river and most importantly the hydroelectric companies water intakes.

Spring Ice flowing underneath the North Grand Island Bridge

HOWEVER.... The flow of water was stopped completely over both falls on March 29th 1848 due to an ice jam in the upper river for several hours. This is the only known time to have occurred. The Falls did not actually freeze over, but the flow was stopped to the point where people actually walked out and recovered artifacts from the riverbed!
Interesting facts about Niagara Falls
The flow over the American Falls was stopped completely for several months in 1969. The idea was to determine the feasibility of removing the large amount of loose rock from the base of the falls to enhance its appearance. In the end the final decision was that the expense would be too great.

The word "Niagara" is derived from the Iroquois Indian word "Onguiaahra" meaning "the strait"
There is an international boundary between the United States and Canada.
Before the invention of film, tourists would sketch pictures of the Falls.
The flow was also halted over both falls on March 30th 1848 due to an ice jam in the upper river.
The movies Niagara and Superman were filmed in part at the Falls.
In the past ten years, two daredevils lost their lives trying to conquer Niagara.
In the evenings, intense spotlights bathe the falls with different shades of color.
The first person to go over the Falls in a barrel and survive was a 63 year old female schoolteacher.
High wire tightrope acts used to be performed across the river. Most notably was "Blondin" who once actually carried his manager across on his back, stopping midway to rest !
The Falls make a tremendous sound as the water goes over and lands at the bottom.
Twenty percent of the worlds freshwater lies in the Great Lakes, and most flows over Niagara Falls.

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Where is Niagara Falls ? Collectively they are called "Niagara Falls" Categorized by these three names: American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Canadian Falls American Falls & Bridal Veil Falls Length of brink: 1060 feet /323.08 meters Height: 176 feet / 53.6 meters (due to rocks at the base actual fall is 70 feet/ 21.3 meters) Volume of water: 150,000 U.S.

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The Museum of Death, a showcase of just that, was originally founded in San Diego in 1995. In 2000, proprietor James Healy moved the museum to its current location in Los Angeles, and expanded to what is now the largest collection of serial murderer artwork, photos of the Manson crime scenes, original photos from the Dahlia Murders, and other such relics of the violent, fatal and macabre.

Other exhibits in the museum include the guillotined, severed head of Henri Landru, a body bag and coffin collection, full size replicas of execution devices, mortician and autopsy instruments (and pictures and video of such in use), taxidermy showcases, the Heaven's Gate Cult recruiting video and more.

If you've managed to read this far, then the Museum of Death just might be a must-see destination for your inner-ghoul. The museum is a self-guided tour that lasts about an hour, but, of course, you're welcome to stay as long as you like (if you're up to it).

"I think it shocks people, but its a good shock," said Healy. "Seeing all these artifacts of death in one place reminds people how precious life is."

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The Museum of Death, a showcase of just that, was originally founded in San Diego in 1995. In 2000, proprietor James Healy moved the museum to its current location in Los Angeles, and expanded to what is now the largest collection of serial murderer artwork, photos of the Manson crime scenes, original photos from the Dahlia Murders, and other such relics of the violent, fatal and macabre.

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The World Famous Museum of Death was founded in June, 1995 when JD Healy and Cathee Shultz decided to fill the void in death education in this country and made death their life's work.

Evolving from the controversial Rita Dean art gallery, the Museum of Death was originally located in San Diego's 1st mortuary- the building itself once owned by Wyatt Earp. Now located in Hollywood, California and New Orleans, Louisiana, the Museum of Death houses the world's largest collection of serial killer artwork, antique funeral ephemera, mortician and coroners instruments, Manson Family memorabilia, pet death taxidermy, crime scene photographs and so much more! Each location is entirely unique as the museum does not feature any replicas or duplicates of the exhibits or artifacts.

The Museum of Death experience is a self guided tour lasting approximately 45 minutes to an hour, however those who can stomach it may stay as long as they like, as there are hundreds of items on display. To ensure that you experience the entire museum we recommend arriving no later than an hour before the posted closing time for that day.

There is no age limit for the Museum of Death because death affects us all, however we STRONGLY recommend the museum only for MATURE AUDIENCES! Some content within the exhibits may be too graphic or explicit for children, and no children will be allowed inside without a parent being present. There have been a number of "falling down ovations" (people fainting) throughout the years so we encourage you to prepare yourself before arriving!

There is currently 1 museum location- 227 Dauphine Street in New Orleans, LA (admission is $17 plus tax per person) -- and our Hollywood location is relocating, with details available soon.

*Due to the high volume of visitors, customers with oversized items (luggage, strollers, push carts, etc.) may find it difficult to navigate the museum and would perhaps want to consider storing these items prior to arriving. We will ask to hold any type of backpack, or oversized bags for the consideration of all guests.

THE FOLLOWING ITEMS AND ACTIONS ARE PROHIBITED BY THE MUSEUM OF DEATH:

Photography of any sort

Cellular phones / cellular phone use

Large bags / backpacks

Food and beverages (including chewing gum)

Smoking, vaping, or chewing tobacco

Weapons (or anything that would interfere with another guest)

THE MUSEUM OF DEATH RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REFUSE SERVICE TO ANYONE

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The World Famous Museum of Death was founded in June, 1995 when JD Healy and Cathee Shultz decided to fill the void in death education in this country and made death their life's work. Evolving from the controversial Rita Dean art gallery, the Museum of Death was originally located in San Diego's 1st mortuary- the building itself once owned by Wyatt Earp.

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California

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Height: 746 ft

The Idea for the Golden Gate Bridge Came Long Before Construction Started

Golden Gate Bridge facts reveal that the idea for the bridge was presented long before the bridge was actually built. It was first proposed as early as 1872, when the famous railroad executive Charles Crocker, who had previously completed the transcontinental railroad three years earlier, presented the plan for the bridge to the Marin County Board of Supervisors. However, many believed that this kind of bridge was not a realistic possibility, so the project was not given much thought. It was not until 1919 that the construction of the bridge was seriously considered. At that time, the city of San Francisco had the city's engineer Michael O'Shaughnessy undertake a study that would help determine whether building a bridge was indeed possible. Initially, it was estimated that the construction of the bridge would cost around $100 million.

The Initial Design Was Significantly Different from the End Result

A year after completing his feasibility study, Michael O'Shaughnessy sent letters to three of the most important engineers of the time and asked to speak to them about the construction of the bridge. Joseph B. Strauss, Francis C. McMath and Gustav Lindenthal were the chosen ones, and it was Strauss who later became the main engineer behind the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge. Golden Gate Bridge facts show that he initially submitted plans for a symmetrical cantilever-suspension hybrid span, which he believed he would be able to build for a sum between $17 million and $27 million.

The actual plans for the bridge remained a secret to the public for a very long time; however, once they were revealed a year later, the public was far from pleased. The bridge was called ugly, ponderous and blunt by commentators, and Strauss was eventually forced to change his plans. He changed his design to a more conventional suspension bridge, which apparently was not as unpopular as his first version.

Not Everyone Was Happy about the Construction of the Golden Gate Bridge

Even though Strauss changed the design of his bridge to suit the wishes of the public, Golden Gate Bridge facts show that not everyone was satisfied. The construction of the Golden Gate Bridge had some fierce enemies; in 1930, as many as 2,300 lawsuits were filed against the bridge. One of them was filed by the Southern Pacific Railroad, the company that owned 51% of the ferry company taking commuters and their cars between San Francisco and Marin County, which was understandably concerned about losing its business. Then there were Ansel Adams and the Sierra Club, who opposed the construction of the bridge because they were worried that it would destroy the natural beauty of the area.

In the end, it took a couple of favorable court rulings, two federal hearings, a guarantee that local workers would be hired first, a complete boycott of the ferry services and enabling an act from the state legislature to finally get the bridge approved. All this of course took a lot of time, which was the main reason why the construction started so much later after the initial planning took place.

The Golden Gate Bridge Isn't Actually Golden

One of the most interesting Golden Gate Bridge facts is the fact that, despite its name, the bridge is not actually golden. The name of the bridge really refers to the famous entrance to the San Francisco Bay from the Pacific Ocean, called the Golden Gate Strait. The strait is about three miles long and about one mile wide, and has currents ranging from 4.5 to 7.5 knots. The name was first given by an army captain John C. Fremont, probably in 1846 or around that time. He called the strait "Chrysopylae" or Golden Gate, because it reminded him of a similar harbor in Istanbul, Turkey, called Chrysoceras or the Golden Horn.

The Color of the Golden Bridge Is Known as International Orange

We have already established that the Golden Gate Bridge is not golden, but Golden Gate Bridge facts reveal that there is actually a very special name for the color of the bridge. It is called international orange, and it was chosen by a consulting architect named Irving Morrow for several reasons. He rejected both carbon black and steel gray, which seem like the logical choices for a bridge, and went with a distinctive shade of orange instead. One of the reasons was that the color blends well with the natural setting of the bridge, and another reason was that the lively color provides sufficient visibility of the bridge for passing ships.

If you want to paint something at home with international orange, you can. A paint store can mix it for you with CMYK colors, which are: C = Cyan: 0%, M = Magenta: 69%, Y = Yellow: 100%, K = Black: 6%. If you want to buy an existing color combination, the closest ones are PMS 173 (CYMK = 0%, 80%, 94%, 1%), PMS 174 (CYMK = 8%, 85%, 100%, 34%) and Pantone 180 (CYMK = 19.4%, 77.9%, 79.6% 3.6%).

The Golden Gate Bridge Has Only Been Closed a Few Times

The Golden Gate Bridge is very strong and durable, so it is no wonder that only a few events throughout its history have managed to bring it down. Golden Gate Bridge facts show that the bridge has only closed three times due to the weather; each time, it was high winds that persuaded officials to close the bridge down. The first time it happened, on December 1, 1951, the winds reached speeds of 69 miles per hour, which closed the bridge for about three hours. The second closure was more than 30 years later, on December 23, 1982, when high winds of up to 70 miles per hour caused an almost two-hours' long closure of the bridge. And the last time the Golden Gate Bridge was closed (as of 2015) due to the weather was on December 3, 1983, when wind gusts reached a speed of 75 miles per hour; this was the longest weather-related closure of the bridge in history and it lasted for 3 hours and 27 minutes.

The Golden Gate Bridge has also closed on several other occasions: for 1 hour and 20 minutes on July 13, 1975 due to construction work; on May 24, 1987 from 5 am to 11 am for the 50th Anniversary Pedestrian Walk, on May 27, 2012, from 9 pm to 10:01 pm for the 75th Anniversary fireworks display, and very briefly on two separate occasions for the visits of president Franklin D. Roosevelt and French president Charles de Gaulle.

Around 110,000 Vehicles Cross the Golden Gate Bridge Every Day

We can easily imagine that the Golden Gate Bridge is crossed by a large number of vehicles every single day, but Golden Gate Bridge facts reveal just how high the number really is. Statistics show that the bridge is crossed by 110,000 vehicles every single day, and it has been crossed by 2,025,883,491 vehicles since its opening to traffic on May 28, 1937 (as of January 2014).

Even though the Golden Gate Bridge is very busy at all times, there have been times when the bridge traffic has been significantly higher or lower than usually. The lowest vehicle count took place on Monday, January 4, 1982. On that day, a devastating storm struck the Bay Area, and earth slides and flooding covered the area north of the bridge. When the weather cleared up two days later, only 3,921 southbound vehicles crossed the bridge. This is very little compared to the current daily average, and it was little even by that time's standards, when the average daily southbound count was 37,936.

On the other hand, the highest ever number of vehicles to cross the bridge can be blamed on an earthquake. On October 17, 1989, the Loma Prieta Earthquake shook the Bay Area with tremors measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale. Unlike the San Francisco/Oakland Bay Bridge that could not handle the pressure, the Golden Gate Bridge remained undamaged and was the main line of commute with an all-time record of 162,414 vehicles crossing the bridge that day.

The Construction of the Bridge Had an Impressive Safety Record for the Time

Construction, especially the construction of bridges, is not the safest industry in the world, and the dangers were even greater decades ago when security measures were not as strict and efficient as they are today. However, Golden Gate Bridge facts show that the construction of the bridge was managed with a high concern for the safety of everyone working on this majestic architectural miracle.

In the 1930s, when the Golden Gate Bridge was being built, the rule of thumb for high-steel bridge construction projects was one fatality for every $1 million in cost. However, Strauss was determined to beat the statistics. He made the construction site of the Golden Gate Bridge the first site in the United States that required all workers to wear hard hats and glare-free goggles at all times, which significantly improved their safety. Workers also had to use hand and face cream to protect their skin from the harsh winds, and they even had to go on a special diet, which was supposed to prevent dizziness. Apart from that, a whopping $130,000 was invested in an innovative safety net, which was suspended under the bridge in order to catch any workers who might fall off the bridge. The net managed to save lives of 19 men who would have otherwise fallen into the ocean and lost their lives. These men became known as the Halfway-to-Hell Club.

11 Men Died during the Construction of the Golden Gate Bridge

Despite all the security precautions taken by Strauss, accidents still happened and Golden Gate Bridge facts reveal the sad truth that 11 men died during the construction of the bridge. Everything started off great and the Golden Gate Bridge took no lives for most of its construction time. Just a couple of months before the end of the construction, however, one of the workers, a man named Kermit Moore, was killed by a falling derrick.

Only a couple of weeks later tragedy struck again; this time, it was 10 workers who lost their lives. A 5-ton work platform had broken apart from the bridge and fell. It fell right through the net, taking 12 workers with it and plunging into the water 220 feet below. Although 10 workers were killed, two managed to survive the accident, albeit with a number of broken bones.

The Golden Gate Bridge Is Famous as a Suicide Location

While the Golden Gate Bridge is a popular tourist attraction, Golden Gate Bridge facts reveal a sad truth: it is also the top suicide location in the world. The first person to commit suicide by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge was a man named H.B. Wobber, who threw himself off the side of the bridge, just three months after the bridge was opened. He hit the surface of San Francisco Bay at 75 miles per hour just four seconds after jumping, and died as a result.

Since then, more than 1,500 people have committed suicide by jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge. This means that one person decides to end their live on Golden Gate Bridge every three weeks on average. Most of them die, but more than 40 jumpers actually survived the jump - against all odds. The authorities are doing everything in their power to prevent or at least decrease the number of suicides: there are 11 crisis counseling phones along the bridge and there is a plan to build a net under the bridge to catch the jumpers before they hit the ocean.

The Golden Gate Bridge Has 6 Lanes Which Are Reversible

Reversible lanes are an interesting innovation and they were first used on the Golden Gate Bridge on October 29, 1963. The problem with the Golden Gate Bridge is that its traffic fluctuates greatly; while during the morning commute most of the vehicles are travelling southbound, the afternoon commute is another story.

The six reversible lanes of the Golden Gate Bridge are therefore adjusted according to the volume of traffic heading either way. In the morning, four of the lanes are going southbound to San Francisco and two of them are headed northbound. During the afternoon commute, there are three lanes going both ways. Lanes are also adjusted during weekend tourist periods, which greatly helps to reduce traffic jams and congestion.

The Golden Gate Bridge Once Had the Longest Suspension Span in the World

When it was built, the Golden Gate Bridge was the bridge with the longest suspension span in the world. With a 4,200 feet long suspension it held the record until November 21, 1964, when New York City's Verrazano Narrows Bridge was opened. It was 60 feet longer than the Golden Gate Bridge and remained the longest suspension bridge until July 17, 1981. On that day, Humber Bridge in England was opened, boasting a span of 4,626 feet.

Nowadays, Golden Gate Bridge facts show that the once longest bridge is currently ranked as the ninth-longest suspension bridge in history. Apart from the bridges in New York and England, many other longer bridges have since been built, including the Great Belt East Bridge in Denmark (5,328 feet) and the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge in Japan (6,532 feet).

The Golden Gate Bridge Is Continuously Repainted

One of the most famous myths says that the bridge is repainted from end to end every year, but Golden Gate Bridge facts reveal that this is not the case. Painting this magnificent bridge is actually an ongoing task, as paint is needed to protect the bridge from the high salt content in the air, which could damage the bridge by rusting and corroding its steel components.

Regardless of the fact that the Golden Gate Bridge is not completely repainted end to end every year, a whopping 5,000 - 10,000 gallons of paint are still used to repaint sections of the magnificent bridge each year.

The Golden Gate Bridge Was the First Major Bridge with One-Way Toll Collection

If you ever want to cross the Golden Gate Bridge and are travelling on a tight budget, crossing it northbound would be the way to go. Golden Gate Bridge facts reveal that the toll is only collected from vehicles travelling southbound, into the city of San Francisco. This is a very innovative system that started on October 19, 1968, when the Golden Gate Bridge became the first major bridge in the world to offer one-way toll collection. The one-way toll collection system proved to be a big success, and has since been used on many major bridges all around the world.

However, if you still want to cross the bridge travelling southbound, you would currently have to pay $7.00 with the Pay by Plate system, $6.00 on the FasTrak, and $4.00 on carpools during peak travel hours.

Car Pool Lanes on Golden Gate Bridge Require 3 or More Passengers

The majority of carpool lanes require at least two people in the vehicle, but the Golden Gate Bridge is a bit stricter regarding this. In order to drive on the carpool lane across the Golden Gate Bridge, at least three people have to be present in the vehicle. This policy was introduced in April 1976, and the main reason behind the change was to ease the traffic congestion of the bridge.

However, the Golden Gate Bridge carpool lane offers more than just a special lane; it also enables the passengers to pay a discounted toll during peak hours, on weekdays from 5 am to 9 am and from 4 pm to 6 pm.

The Golden Gate Bridge Does Play a Part in the Bay Area's Infamous Fog

San Francisco and the entire Bay Area is well known for its infamous fog, charmingly nicknamed Karl the Fog. However, Golden Gate Bridge facts reveal that the bridge itself may actually play quite a significant role when it comes to the formation of the fog over the Bay Area. When advection fog, which is the consequence of humid Pacific air running into the chilly California current, forms near the coastline, the bridge directs it; it pushes it up and pours it down over the bridge. The bridge itself, however, is not afraid of the fog: the international orange color makes it very visible in fog.

The Golden Gate Bridge Has Been Featured in a Number of Movies

The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world and it has also played a part in many famous movies. The most popular ones include Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011), Star Trek (2009), X-Men: The Last Stand (2006), The Rock (1996), Interview with a Vampire (1994), Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991), Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986), A View to a Kill (1985), Superman (1978) and The Maltese Falcon (1941).

Portugal's Capital Has a Bridge Very Similar to the Golden Gate Bridge

If you ever find yourself in Lisbon and run into a certain bridge, you could easily imagine that you have ended up in San Francisco - the famous 25 de Abril Bridge ("25th of April Bridge") in the capital of Portugal looks surprisingly like the Golden Gate Bridge. It is also a suspension bridge, and it connects the city of Lisbon with the municipality of Almada on the left bank of the Tejo River.

The bridge was opened on August 6, 1966 and it is currently the 20th largest suspension bridge in the world. And why is it so similar to the Golden Gate Bridge? Because it is painted with the same color as the Golden Gate Bridge: international orange. Another fun Golden Gate Bridge fact reveals that the 25th of April Bridge was built by the same company that built the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge - but not the Golden Gate Bridge.

The Golden Gate Bridge Has Witnessed Some Bizarre Things in Its History

The Golden Gate Bridge has a long and very interesting history, and many stunning and sometimes bizarre things have happened on it. For example, three babies have been born on the Golden Gate Bridge, and Golden Gate Bridge facts reveal that all three of them were boys. However, considering the number of people who have crossed the bridge up until now, the number of births on it may seem on the low side. The year of 1985 saw the bridge being crossed by its one billionth driver. His name was Dr. Arthur Molinari, a dentist, and he was presented with a hardhat and a case of champagne to celebrate the milestone in the bridge's history.

The construction of the bridge itself is another interesting mystery in itself. Did you know that the Golden Gate Bridge is actually getting lighter? When it was opened in 1937, it weighed 894,500 tons; however, after a re-decking in 1986, it only weighed 887,000 tons. And re-decking probably wasn't such a bad idea, considering what happened the next year. It was the 50th anniversary of the bridge, and the officials expected up to 50,000 people to attend the celebrations. However, 800,000 showed up for the anniversary, which caused the bridge to virtually flatten out - the whole arch of the bridge simply disappeared. But there was no reason to worry - the bridge was built to survive far more stress than that.

Believe It or Not, the Golden Gate Bridge Should Actually Have Been Painted with Stripes

The vivid orange color of the Golden Gate Bridge has become iconic, but history nearly went another way. The US military, who initially objected to the whole idea of the Golden Gate Bridge, had completely different color preferences. They were worried that Navy ships could get caught in San Francisco if the bridge was ever bombed or collapsed. Eventually, the army gave their approval, but they requested the bridge to be painted with garish stripes.

The Navy, on the other hand, was more concerned about the visibility of the bridge for ships passing in foggy conditions, so they asked for the bridge to be painted with black and yellow stripes. Even the Army Air Corps had a color scheme of their own in mind: they wanted to paint the Golden Gate Bridge with a festive candy-cane combination of red and white stripes, which would make the bridge more noticeable from the air.

Golden Gate Bridge Facts - Facts about the Golden Gate Bridge Summary

The Golden Gate Bridge is located in San Francisco, Marin County, California. It is about 1.7 miles long, 90 feet wide and 746 feet high. Its longest span measures 4200 feet, which made it the longest suspension bridge at the time of construction; it is currently the 9th longest suspension bridge in the world. Its construction started on January 5, 1933, ended on April 19, 1937, and the bridge was finally opened on May 27, 1937. Regardless of its name, the Golden Gate Bridge is not actually golden; its color is known under the name international orange.

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Height: 746 ft Golden Gate Bridge facts reveal that the idea for the bridge was presented long before the bridge was actually built. It was first proposed as early as 1872, when the famous railroad executive Charles Crocker, who had previously completed the transcontinental railroad three years earlier, presented the plan for the bridge to the Marin County Board of Supervisors.

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On this date in 1937, San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge opened to the public. Here are a few things you might not have known about the oft-photographed structure.

1. IT WAS FIRST PROPOSED IN 1872.

Three years after completing the transcontinental railroad, Charles Crocker, a railroad executive, made a presentation to the Marin County Board of Supervisors in which he laid out plans for a bridge that would span the Golden Gate Strait, the entrance to the ocean from San Francisco Bay. (The strait was named Chrysopylae, Greek for "golden gate," by U.S. Army Captain John Fremont in 1846.) Many didn't believe it could be done: At its narrowest point, the strait was still more than a mile wide , with turbulent currents ranging from 4.5 to 7.5 knots . The project wouldn't be seriously considered until 1919, when the San Francisco Board of Supervisors had the city's engineer, Michael O'Shaughnessy, do a study to determine the feasibility of a bridge. The initial results estimated that constructing a bridge would cost $100 million.

2. THE FIRST DESIGN WAS MUCH DIFFERENT.

The bridge commission hid the design from the public for a year (though Strauss was drumming up support for the bridge using his design during that time). When they did reveal it, the public wasn't pleased . The local press called the design ugly , and one writer described it as "a ponderous, blunt bridge that combined a heavy tinker toy frame at each end with a short suspension span. It seemed to strain its way across the Golden Gate" [ ].

Eventually, Strauss would abandon his design in favor of a more conventional suspension bridge (more on that later).

3. IT HAD TO BE APPROVED BY THE WAR DEPARTMENT.

Because the War Department owned the land on both sides of the strait, it had to authorize the construction of the bridge. A temporary construction permit was granted on December 24, 1924, and a final permit was issued on August 11, 1930.

4. MANY WERE OPPOSED TO ITS CONSTRUCTION.

"The Golden Gate Bridge in 1930 had 2300 lawsuits against it," transit expert Rod Diridon told NBC Bay Area . One of those lawsuits was brought by the Southern Pacific Railroad, which owned of the ferry company that took commuters and cars between San Francisco and Marin County. Ansel Adams and the Sierra Club were also opposed to the bridge , which they felt would mar the natural beauty of the strait.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, getting the bridge approved "took several favorable court rulings, an enabling act from the State legislature, two Federal hearings prior to approval from the U.S. Department of War (which had long feared that any bridge across San Francisco Bay would hinder navigation), a guarantee that local workers would have first crack at the jobs, and a mass boycott of the ferry service operated by the Southern Pacific Railroad."

5. STRAUSS FIRED ONE KEY MEMBER OF THE DESIGN TEAM BEFORE CONSTRUCTION STARTED.

The engineer hired Charles A. Ellis, author of Essentials in the Theory of Framed Structures, . Ellis's job would be to oversee bridge design and supervise construction . In 1925, he and Strauss brought Harvard University's George F. Swain and Leon S. Moisseff, designer of New York City's Manhattan Bridge, on as consultants. By the end of 1929, the team had switched from Strauss's initial design to a suspension bridge designed by Moisseff. According to Purdue University , Ellis's work "included performing thousands of calculations for the bridge, writing specifications for ten bridge construction contracts, and supervising the test boring and siting, which involved the complicated process of locating firm footing on the Marin shore." He did his job tirelessly for three years, including spending several months figuring out the complex calculations with Moisseff.

6. CONSTRUCTION FINALLY BEGAN IN 1933.

After years of setbacks and fundraising, Strauss and his team finally broke ground on the bridge on January 5, 1933. It was, apparently, a big event: According to the official program [], there was a parade to Crissy Field, where, after opening remarks were given and a message from President Herbert Hoover was read, there was a 21-gun salute and a bridge was painted in the sky. Next there was a pageant where engineering students showed off an 80-foot-long model of the bridge containing carrier pigeons that were to take news of the groundbreaking all over California. ( According to one paper , the birds "were so frightened by the surging human mass that small boys had to crawl into their compartments in the bridge replica to shoo them out with sticks.") Finally, San Francisco Mayor Angelo Rossi and bridge Board President William P. Filmer broke ground using a golden spade and a closing prayer was read. At least 100,000 people attended the celebration.

7. ITS CABLES WERE MADE BY THE SAME COMPANY THAT BUILT THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE.

Take out any element of a suspension bridge, and the structure won't stay standing for long-but the cables are particularly important: They're strung horizontally between two massive concrete blocks called anchorages on each side of the bridge, with additional vertical cables called suspender ropes attaching the main cable to the bridge's deck (or roadway). Vehicles push down on the roadway, but the suspender ropes transfer that load to the main cables, which transfer it to the towers, which support most of the weight.

For the Golden Gate Bridge, Strauss needed cables that would be strong enough to support the structure of the bridge and bend 27 feet laterally in the Gate's high winds-and they'd need to be made right there on the construction site. So he turned to the experts: Roebling's Sons Co., which had made the cables for the Brooklyn Bridge 52 years earlier and spun them on site. For the Golden Gate Bridge, the company developed a method called parallel wire construction. The spinning began in 1935; PBS describes the process :

To spin the cables, 80,000 miles of steel wire less than 0.196 inch in diameter were bound in 1,600-pound spools and attached to the bridge's anchorages. A fixture within the anchorages called a strand shoe was used to secure the "dead wire" while a spinning wheel, or sheave, pulled a "live wire" across the bridge. Once it reached the opposite shore of the Gate, the live wire was secured onto the strand shoe, and the wheel returned with another loop of wire to begin the process again. ... One wire at a time, the cables for the Golden Gate bridge were spun from tower to tower, anchorage to anchorage. The spinning was tedious; not only did it take time for the spinning wheel to travel the mile between the two shores, but the work had to be performed in a precise sequence, in order to create the balance needed for the cables to absorb the proper amount of wind pressure.

8. SAFETY WAS PARAMOUNT ...

In the 1930s, the odds were not in a worker's favor: On average, one man was killed per million dollars spent on a big project. Strauss wanted to beat those odds, and spent a ton of money on safety. Goofing off was forbidden: "Old Strauss enforced the rules," Pete Williamson, one of the workers on the bridge, . "All a guy had to do was to stand out there on one foot, and he was fired." Workers had to wear glare-free goggles , use hand and face cream to protect their skin from the high winds, and go on special diets that Strauss believed would fend off dizziness. The engineer had the E.D. Bullard Company create special hard hats for the bridge workers, which they were required to wear at all times, and in 1936, Strauss installed a net under the bridge that cost $130,000. The device, similar to what's strung below the circus trapeze, was manufactured by the J.L. Stuart Company and extended 10 feet wider than the bridge's width and 15 feet longer than its length; it helped to speed construction while also giving workers a sense of security. It saved 19 men who otherwise would have plummeted into the water below; they were said to belong to the Halfway to Hell Club .

9. ... BUT THERE WERE STILL ACCIDENTS.

10. THERE WAS AN EARTHQUAKE BEFORE THE BRIDGE WAS FINISHED.

Albert "Frenchy" Gales, a construction worker, was on top of the south tower when the quake hit in . "[The tower] was so limber the tower swayed 16 feet each way," he later said. " There were 12 or 13 guys on top with no way to get down. The elevator wouldn't run. The whole thing would sway toward the ocean, guys would say, 'here we go!' Then it would sway back, toward the Bay. Guys were laying on the deck, throwing up and everything. I figured if we go in, the iron would hit the water first."

11. THERE ARE ABOUT 600,000 RIVETS IN EACH 746-FOOT-TALL TOWER.

12. IT'S PAINTED "INTERNATIONAL ORANGE."

In the end, he was inspired by the red primer the steel beams had been coated in at the factories back east, and settled on International Orange, which complemented the bridge's natural surroundings but also helped the structure stand out from the sea and sky. "The effect of International Orange is as highly pleasing as it is unusual in the realm of engineering," Morrow said. As an added benefit, the color is highly visible in fog.

The CMYK formula for International Orange is Cyan: 0 percent, Magenta: 69 percent, Yellow: 100 percent, Black: 6 percent. The paint for the bridge is currently supplied by Sherwin-Williams.

13. ITS OPENING WAS CELEBRATED FOR A WEEK.

At last the mighty task is done;
Resplendent in the western sun
The Bridge looms mountain high;
Its titan piers grip ocean floor,
Its great steel arms link shore with shore,
Its towers pierce the sky.

14. IT WEIGHS A LOT.

15. IT HAS BEEN CLOSED BECAUSE OF WEATHER THREE TIMES.

16. IT HELPS TO SHAPE THE FOG.

17. IT WAS THE LONGEST SUSPENSION BRIDGE IN THE WORLD UNTIL 1964.

That honor now belongs to Japan's Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge , which has a span of 6500 feet. But it's still probably the most photographed bridge on the planet.

18. THE ONE BILLIONTH DRIVER CROSSED THE BRIDGE ON FEBRUARY 22, 1985.

19. THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY WAS A DISASTER.

The Golden Gate Bridge responded visibly to the large live load with a reported deflection of its roadway of almost 10 feet at the midspan. ... The situation was compounded by the 17 mph winds blowing across San Francisco Bay. Suspension bridges are vulnerable to wind loads and, while the bridge was swaying from side to side because of the winds and flattening under the heavy live load, near panic conditions resulted. People were suffering from nausea and claustrophobia in the density of the crowd, making it increasingly difficult to alleviate the situation by directing the people away from the bridge.

"The whole bridge flattened out-its whole arch disappeared," Gary Giacomini, president of the Bridge District Board, said at the time. "The bridge had the greatest load factor of its 50-year life. The suspension cables at the center of the bridge were stretched as 'tight as harp strings,' while the lower cables near the tower seemed to flap in the wind ... I thought, 'Wow, this isn't a good idea!'"

But there was never any reason to fear. According to the report, the bridge deck was designed to move 15 feet vertically and 27 feet from side to side, and Charles Seim, a former supervising bridge engineer with the state's transportation department, said that "I knew we were exceeding design loads, but I wasn't worried in the slightest. Even at the maximum design load of 5700 pounds per foot the stress in cables is only 40 percent of their yielding stress, that's a large factor of safety."

20. IT'S A STAR.

The bridge has appeared in many films, including The Maltese Falcon (1941), Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978), Interview with the Vampire (1994), and The Rock (1998). Movie directors love to destroy it , too. The bridge has even been featured on the cover of the February 26, 1976 issue of Rolling Stone.

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20 Awesome Facts About the Golden Gate Bridge

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San Francisco, California