The Brooklyn Bridge – the oldest of its kind

It’s among the most recognizable and iconic features of New York’s famed skyline.

The oldest bridge of its type

Stretching between Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn on the East River, the Brooklyn Bridge opened in 1883. Since then, it’s been featured in countless movies and TV shows. It is a hybrid cable-stayed and suspension bridge and is among the oldest bridges of either type in the US.

Overseeing construction from his window

The bridge was originally designed by a German immigrant named John August Roebling. Unfortunately, on one of his survey visits to the construction site, he had an accident whereby he ended up crushing his toes. The bad bit did not end for him there though. He had to undergo an amputation and developed tetanus too later on, because of which he was forced to supervise the construction of the bridge from his apartment, which, by the way, had a view of the construction grounds.

Emily to the rescue

Thankfully for him, he had a more than able wife by his side. Emily Warren Roebling was onsite, guiding the engineers. While she did not get the credit that was due to her, even after spending 11 years helping her husband, she finally ended up being an expert in math and cable construction.

As an interesting aside, when the bridge was officially opened, while credit goes to Emily Warren Roebling to make the first trip across the bridge, sitting with her was a rooster, for good luck.

The debate is still out as to who crossed the bridge first – Emily or the rooster.