The Brooklyn Bridge turned 125 today. Taking advantage of the perfect weather, E and I joined a special walking tour led by the official borough historian. I learned a lot. E slept.
The bridge is an incredible engineering feat. At the time of its construction, it was the largest suspension bridge in the world, and the towers on either end were not only the highest points in Manhattan, but also in the entire Western Hemisphere.
Building the bridge was a family affair. John Roebling, inventor of both iron and steel cable, designed the bridge, but died before construction began. His son, Washington, took over as the chief engineer. Then, when Washington became ill, Washington's wife, Emily, took over the day-to-day operations under the direction of her husband. She learned engineering from her husband and brother, and was the first person to walk across the bridge. What a woman! Smart, successful, and submitted.
1 comment:
It's crazy to think that was the tallest structure in the western hemisphere, huh?!
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