The Golden Gate Bridge Was Inspired By Arizona’s Very Own McPhaul Bridge, An Architectural Relic
Architectural wonders abound throughout Arizona, each one unique in its own right. McPhaul Bridge in Yuma is easily among the most incredible man-made marvels in the state, as the 100-year-old structure inspired the Golden Gate Bridge itself. Take a look:
Also known as the "Bridge to Nowhere," McPhaul Bridge was constructed in 1929 as part of U.S. Route 95. The bridge has a rightful spot on the National Register of Historic Places.
Named after Yuma resident Henry Harrison McPhaul, the bridge, which spans the Gila River, was replaced in 1968 upon being deemed unfit for the needs of modern transportation. A dam and new bridge were built, and the river was rerouted.
A Warren-type pony truss suspension bridge, McPhaul is just under 1200 feet long. It has a main span of about 800 feet and is supported by two steel cables.
There's a saying that things were just built better in the past, and McPhaul Bridge is certainly a testament to that notion. The new bridge was destroyed in a 1993 flood, while the Bridge to Nowhere remains intact as ever.
Who knows how long the McPhaul Bridge will remain standing? It's already a Yuma relic, and we wouldn't be surprised if it stays with us for many years to come.
Although the bridge is closed to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic, the architectural wonder is free to marvel at from a distance. You can park at From the Farm, Address: 5158 South Highway 95, Yuma, AZ 85365.
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and changed her major twice (psychology, computer science, and finally criminal justice) before taking a leap of faith and dropping out to pursue a career in freelance writing.
Today, Katie writes for the Texas and Arizona pages of OnlyInYourState.com and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on the sofa with a hot cup of coffee, watching a crime TV show or scary movie.
