Forest Service and Civilian Conservation Corps crews built Sims Bridge with grit and determination under the supervision of Raymond Huber, who recalled being given a pickup, a plan for a 160-foot suspension bridge, and no real book of regulations, so the crew made its regulations as it went along and completed the bridge in September 1933. Sims Bridge became renowned as the first major construction project completed by any CCC program in the United States. Its initial purpose was to provide access to the east side of the Sacramento River for fire protection, and after 41 years of continuous use from 1933 to 1974, it remained safe to walk on and retained its camber and eloquence.