Why is the Golden Gate Bridge red and not gold?
The Golden Gate Bridge has always been painted orange vermilion, deemed “International Orange.” It was painted that colour to blend in better with it’s natural surroundings. It also makes it stand out for ships as well as protect the steel from rusting. The confusion comes from the name, the term Golden Gate refers to the Golden Gate Strait which is the entrance to the San Francisco Bay from the Pacific Ocean. It is generally accepted that the strait was named “Chrysopylae” or Golden Gate by Army Captain John C. Fremont, circa 1846. It is said it reminded him of a harbor in Istanbul named Chrysoceras or Golden Horn. More information on the bridge can be found at: http://www.goldengatebridge.org/research/facts.
