The Golden Gate Bridge at 80

The Golden Gate Bridge officially opened 80 years ago today (05/27/37). The bridge was an improbable feat, constructed during the Great Depression over the opposition of ferry companies as well as environmentalists who worried it would despoil the bay. The construction took more than four years, with workers often perched in high winds more than 500 feet above the water. All told, 11 workers died in accidents. The paint color is central to the allure. Known as international orange, it was inspired by the reddish lead-based primer that was used to coat the steel for the bridge. But other hues were contemplated — ones that in retrospect seem unthinkable. Gray and black both had supporters. And the Army Air Corps’ preference? A candy-cane combination of red and white stripes.

By Julie Bloom from the New York Times; Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images

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