Facts and History Information of Brooklyn Bridge, New York City

A walk across Brooklyn Bridge is among the must-do for visitors in New York City. Connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn over the East River, the bridge well showcases the architectural and engineering feat of the 19th century.

In the following part, we will pack you with a number of facts of Brooklyn Bridge and help you know better about the history of this stunning steel giant. Even if you have never been to Brooklyn Bridge, after reading our article you will surprise others with such an abundant knowledge about it.

Brooklyn Bridge on Wiki

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brooklyn_Bridge

About the Designers

The initially designer of the bridge was German immigrant John Augustus Roebling, a cable manufacturer. Before the project of Brooklyn Bridge, he had designed several short suspension bridges like John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge in Cincinnati and Roebling's Delaware Aqueduct in Pennsylvania. His proposal for a bridge over the East River was finally approved after six years discussion and he was appointed as the "Chief Engineer of the Brooklyn Bridge."

In July 6, 1869, John A. Roebling received a crush injury to his foot when doing surveys for the project. After that he developed a tetanus infection which finally resulted in the death. His older son, Washington Roebling, who was 32 years of age at that moment, took the charge and saw the project to the completion.

Not long after the death of his dad, in January 3, 1870, Washington also suffered an injury which caused him paralyzing. Due to his weak physical condition, Washington could not supervise the construction on site and his wife, Emily Warren Roebling came into help. This woman deserved great respect for her perseverance. Under the guidance of her husband, she studied higher mathematics, the strengths of materials, the calculations of catenary curves and the intricacies of cable construction. In the following 11 years, she had done a lot of job in helping Washington supervise the bridge's construction, and for this reason, she was awarded to be the first to cross Brooklyn Bridge on the Opening Day.

Brooklyn Bridge Facts, History & Information

http://www.endex.com/gf/buildings/bbridge/bbridgefacts.htm

Quick Facts about Brooklyn Bridge

Originally, the bridge was named as the New York and Brooklyn Bridge, and first quoted as Brooklyn Bridge in a letter to the editor of Brooklyn Daily Eagle in 1867. It was officially so named by the local government in 1915.

The bridge was designed by John Augustus Roebling, and built by The New York Bridge Company. In 1869, President Ulysses S. Grant signed the bill for Brooklyn Bridge and the construction started on January 3, 1870.

Brooklyn Bridge was completed in 1883. At that time, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world. The total length of Brooklyn Bridge, including the approaches of both Manhattan and Brooklyn, is 6,016 feet, and the main span over East River is1595.5 feet. The width of the bridge is 85 feet and the elevated promenade is 15.7 feet wide. The height of this walkway above the automobile lanes is 11.5 feet. The total weight of Brooklyn Bridge, not including the caissons, towers and anchorages, is 14,680 tons. The total cost of the bridge is $15.5 million.

Brooklyn Bridge was opened at 2:00 pm on May 24, 1883 (this date coincided with the birthday of Queen Victoria, which caused the dissatisfaction of Irish workers and resulted in a protest on the Opening Day). On that day, over 150,300 people and 1,800 vehicles crossed the bridge. The first person across Brooklyn Bridge was Emily Warren Roebling, the wife of Washington Roebling.

Notable Events and Celebrations

- The first jumper from the Brooklyn Bridge was Robert E. Odlum. He jumped into the Easter River on May 19, 1885 and died shortly thereafter.

- In 2006, a bunker was found by city workers near the river shoreline on Lower Manhattan's side, which was approved to be of Cold War era. The bunker contained the emergency supplies for possible nuclear attack by the Soviet Union.

- May 24, 1983 saw the 100th anniversary celebrations of Brooklyn Bridge. A cavalcade of cars, led by Present Ronald Reagan, crossed the bridge and a flotilla of ships toured the New York harbor. In the evening, the sky over Brooklyn Bridge was illuminated by fireworks.

- The five-day celebration was held from May 22, 2008 for the 125th anniversary of Brooklyn Bridge. The festivities began with a live performance in Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park, along with a special event of lighting the bridge's towers and an awesome firework display. Other events for 125th anniversary included historical walking tours, a series of lectures and films, musical and dance performance and more.

Now, the prediction of John A. Roebling that "the great tower will be ranked as national monuments" has been justified. In 1964 the Brooklyn Bridge was designated as a National Historic Landmark and a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 1972. Today, it is an iconic element of New York skyline and appears as a distinctive snapshot of the city in numerous films and tourism magazines.