The Golden Gate Bridge was almost painted black and yellow.

The Golden Gate Bridge is the most recognizable part of San Francisco’s misty skyline, not least because of its vibrant orange color, but the iconic structure was almost painted an entirely different hue. The idea of connecting parts of California’s Marin County with San Francisco via a bridge dates back to 1869, but plans for the architectural wonder didn’t take shape until 1916. Despite a hefty $35 million bill amid the Great Depression, the bridge project broke (underwater) ground in 1933. When it came time to choose a paint color two years into the build — a necessity to prevent rust on the steel caused by the underlying salt water — there was no obvious choice. The U.S. Navy recommended a black-and-yellow-striped design intended to increase visibility for ships and airplanes operating in foggy weather. Architect Irving Morrow rejected the idea (along with the commonly used gray and silver), settling on the vivid “International Orange” after seeing the bridge primed in a vermillion hue and believing the color would complement the surrounding landscape while providing high visibility. The bridge officially opened on May 27, 1937, painted in its gleaming new hue.

The Golden Gate Bridge has its own fog horns.

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Despite its blazing hue, the Golden Gate Bridge is known for disappearing into San Francisco’s famous fog. Two fog horns protect the bridge from boats below, blaring upwards of five hours a day — or more — during August’s peak fog.

Exactly how the Golden Gate maintains its iconic glow is something of a maintenance marvel that’s shrouded in myth. Popular theories suggest that the 1.7-mile overpass is entirely repainted from end to end annually, or just once every seven years, but in fact caretakers continuously have paint brushes in hand. Crews note areas of the bridge where paint has worn away, then spot-paint sections as needed. The work is tedious, requiring high climbs atop the structure’s 746-foot towers and its underbelly, which sits just 200 feet above the bay. Workers use specialized equipment and brushes to remove old paint, prime the underlying steel, and lacquer on the standout shade. The bridge has only been fully repainted one time — beginning in 1968 — to remove its failing, original lead-based paint; the task took 27 years and wasn’t finished until 1995.

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