With its distinctive ‘International Orange’ color, majestic towers, and elegant cables, the Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most photographed and instantly recognizable bridges in the world. This engineering marvel spans the Golden Gate strait, connecting San Francisco with Marin County.
1. Named After the Strait, Not the Color
The name ‘Golden Gate Bridge’ refers to the strait it spans: the Golden Gate. This strait, the entrance to San Francisco Bay from the Pacific Ocean, was named around 1846 by Captain John C. Frémont, who saw its resemblance to the Golden Horn in Istanbul.
The bridge’s iconic orange color, therefore, has nothing to do with its name, although it can have a golden glow at sunset.
2. The Iconic Color Was Almost Different
The distinctive color, ‘International Orange’, was originally intended only as a primer coat to protect the steel from rust during transport and construction. The US Navy initially wanted the bridge painted in black and yellow stripes to increase visibility for ships.
However, consulting architect Irving Morrow found the orange primer suited the landscape so well – contrasting beautifully with the blue sky and sea, and the green hills – that he advocated for making this color permanent. Fortunately, he got his way!
3. An ‘Impossible’ Construction
Before construction began, the project was considered impossible by many. The Golden Gate strait is known for its strong currents, deep water (over 90 meters or 300 feet), high winds, and dense fog. Furthermore, the area was close to the San Andreas Fault, posing a risk of earthquakes.
Overcoming these technical and natural challenges made the bridge’s completion in 1937 all the more impressive. Chief Engineer Joseph Strauss and his team had to develop pioneering techniques.
4. Groundbreaking Safety Measures
Chief Engineer Joseph Strauss was highly concerned with worker safety, which was unusual for large construction projects at the time. He introduced mandatory hard hats (a novelty then) and had a massive safety net suspended under the bridge during the construction of the road deck.
This net saved the lives of 19 men, who became known as the ‘Half Way to Hell Club’. Unfortunately, 11 fatal accidents still occurred during construction, 10 of which happened when a scaffold fell through the net.
5. Art Deco Design Details
Although primarily an engineering feat, the bridge’s design also incorporates subtle Art Deco elements, particularly in the towers. Consulting architect Irving Morrow, also responsible for the color choice, added aesthetic details like the vertical fluting on the towers (which catches light and shadow), the streamlined shapes, and the street lighting.
These details give the bridge, despite its industrial scale, a certain elegance and make it more than just a functional structure.
6. Continuous Painting
Maintaining the iconic color and protecting the steel from the salty marine climate is an ongoing process. A team of painters is constantly busy touching up the paint and replacing corroded rivets and steel components.
Contrary to popular myth, the bridge is not continuously repainted from end to end. Painting is done strategically where it’s needed most, using a special, corrosion-resistant paint.
7. Impressive Statistics
Upon its opening in 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the world, with a main span of 1,280 meters (4,200 feet). Its total length, including approach spans, is 2,737 meters (8,981 feet or 1.7 miles).
The two towers reach 227 meters (746 feet) above the water. The thick steel cables, from which the bridge deck hangs, each consist of over 27,000 individual steel wires, with a total length sufficient to circle the equator three times.
8. Sound of the Bridge in High Winds
Since a 2020 renovation replaced the railings on the west side with thinner, more aerodynamic slats, the bridge produces a distinct humming or singing sound during high winds from a specific direction.
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This sound, caused by wind passing over the slats, can sometimes be heard for miles and has led to mixed reactions, from fascination to annoyance.
9. A Popular Filming Location
The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most filmed landmarks in the world. It features in countless movies, TV series, and commercials, often symbolizing San Francisco or California.
Unfortunately, in films, the bridge is also frequently targeted by disasters or attacks, from earthquakes (as in ‘San Andreas’) to monsters (as in ‘Godzilla’ and ‘Pacific Rim’) and villains (as in the James Bond film ‘A View to a Kill’).
10. More Than Just a Car Bridge
Although the bridge has six lanes for car traffic, it is also accessible to pedestrians and cyclists. The sidewalks on either side offer a unique experience and spectacular views of the city, the bay, Alcatraz, and the Pacific Ocean.
Walking or biking across the Golden Gate Bridge is a popular activity for both tourists and locals, although it can get quite windy.
