The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the US National Historic Landmarks. As a vibrant architectural symbol of New York, it has attracted attention for over a century.
Brooklyn Bridge: How It All Began
It was dreamed of connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn back in the early 19th century. The specialists thought about the project for a long time, since the distance between these points was too great. Even the possibility of creating an underground road was considered, but the amount of construction estimates was too heavy for the implementation of these ideas.
And only in 1869, the engineer John Roebling proposed his project for a suspension bridge, which was soon approved, and the construction itself began on January 3, 1870. But soon after the start of construction of the bridge, John Roebling dies in an accident, his son begins to implement the project. - Washington Roebling. After some time, Roebling Jr. falls ill, and his wife Emily takes over. It is believed that the Brooklyn Bridge was built by the Roebling family, and their names are forever inscribed on the elements of the suspension structure.
Bridge opening
The Brooklyn Bridge is the grandfather of all suspension bridges built in the United States. It took 13 years to build, its opening took place on May 24, 1883. Fifteen million dollars were spent on the construction of the bridge - a very large amount at that time.
A week after the opening of the bridge, rumors circulated that it could suddenly collapse, causing panic among pedestrians and the death of twelve people in a stampede. To calm the people down, the city authorities led a herd of circus elephants through it.
Design features of the Brooklyn Bridge
The bridge stretches over the waters of the East River Strait, stretching for 1825 meters. Its width is twenty-six meters, and its maximum height is forty-one meters. When it was completed in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge was the largest suspended structure in the world and used steel bars for the first time in the history of such a structure. The decoration of the bridge with towers built in the neo-Gothic style, each 83 m high, was also unusual.
Initially, the bridge was designed with two railway tracks, four lanes for horse carriages and a footpath. Later, trams began to run on it. In the 50s of the 20th century, as a result of the reconstruction of the bridge, the rail tracks were removed, and two more lanes were added for road transport. As a result, the Brooklyn Bridge became six-lane.
Brooklyn Bridge now
The modern Brooklyn Bridge is divided into 3 parts: the side ones are designed for cars, and the middle one, wide enough and towering above the rest, is for pedestrians and cyclists. In the early 80s of the 20th century, the bridge began to be illuminated at night, which further emphasized its unique architecture.
So what is the Brooklyn Bridge known for in New York? To many: an unusual history of its creation, outstanding constructive innovations at the time of construction, interesting neo-Gothic architecture and the fact that it has faithfully served the people for over 100 years.
