The Golden Gate Bridge is a large suspension bridge spanning the Golden Gate Strait in America. It is located in the San Francisco Bay Area, and connects San Francisco to Marin County. Completed in 1937, it’s one of the largest bridges in America by length, with a main span of 4200 feet (1280 meters). The bridge originally opened on May 27th, 1937 at a cost of just under $27 million, took more than four years to build, and was ahead of schedule and under budget.
Color – International Orange
When the steel for the Golden Gate Bridge was fabricated by Bethlehem Steel at its foundries in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, the steel was coated with a red lead primer. Morrow undertook color studies, which resulted in the specification of the unique Golden Gate Bridge International Orange because it blended well with the nearby hills and contrasted with the ocean and sky. As the Bridge stands today, the color blends perfectly with the changing season tints of the spans’ natural setting against the San Francisco skyline and the Marin hills. The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco is famously painted International Orange, chosen for its visibility in the foggy environment according to NPR.
Art Deco Design Theme
The original plans submitted by Chief Engineer, Joseph B. Strauss, called for a hybrid cantilever and suspension structure across the Golden Gate. Even after Moisseiff and Strauss began to refine the new design, it wasn’t until Consulting Architect Irving F. Morrow joined the project that the art deco styling began to take shape. These architectural enhancements define the Golden Gate Bridge’s art deco form. It is this form which is known and admired the world over.
Why is the Golden Gate Bridge so famous?
The Golden Gate Bridge is so famous, because it stands as a symbol of San Francisco. The Golden Gate Bridge is famous for its iconic design, stunning location, and historical significance as a symbol of American ingenuity and the city of San Francisco. It was once the longest and tallest suspension bridge, and its distinctive International Orange color and Art Deco styling make it instantly recognizable. Completed in 1937 during the Great Depression, the bridge’s construction was a testament to American resilience and engineering prowess.
When was the Golden Gate Bridge finished?
The Golden Gate Bridge was finished on May 27, 1937. Construction began January 5, 1933, and ended on April 19, 1937. Its main purpose was to connect the Bay Area to the Pacific coast. It officially opened on May 27, 1937 and at that time it had been built for 14 months and was not fully completed.
6 Things You May Not Know About the Golden Gate Bridge?
It Was Almost Painted Black and Yellow
Before settling on International Orange, the U.S. Navy wanted the bridge painted in black with yellow stripes to ensure visibility to ships.
The Color Came from a Primer
The famous color was inspired by the red lead primer on the steel delivered by Bethlehem Steel. Architect Irving Morrow saw how it beautifully matched the surroundings and pushed for it.
It Was Once the Longest Suspension Bridge
When completed in 1937, it had the longest main span in the world at 4,200 feet, a record it held until 1964.
It Withstood Fierce Opposition
Many locals, ferry companies, and military engineers strongly opposed building the bridge, fearing it would ruin the bay or be a target for enemies.
A Safety Net Saved 19 Lives
During construction, a safety net was hung under the bridge deck, saving 19 workers from falling into the bay — they became known as the “Halfway to Hell Club.”
It Requires Constant Painting
Many people think it’s painted end-to-end every seven years, but painting the Golden Gate Bridge is actually a never-ending maintenance job to protect it from rust.
Conclusion
The Golden Gate Bridge, completed in 1937, is a striking suspension bridge connecting San Francisco to Marin County, known for its record-breaking 4,200-foot span and Art Deco design. Painted the distinctive International Orange, originally inspired by the steel’s red lead primer, the bridge was chosen for both beauty and visibility in San Francisco’s fog. Despite initial fierce opposition and proposals for alternative colors, it became a celebrated symbol of American resilience and engineering. Today, the Golden Gate Bridge stands as an enduring icon, requiring constant maintenance, admired worldwide for its history, design, and dramatic setting. IF you need more info about then How many yards in acrevisit this page.