Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge, originally known as the New York and Brooklyn Bridge or the East River Bridge, is a hybrid cable-stayed/suspension bridge located in New York City, New York, USA. The bridge spans the East River, connecting the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn. Opened on May 24, 1883, it was the first fixed crossing over the East River and, at the time of its completion, the longest suspension bridge in the world, with a main span of 1,595.5 feet (486.3 meters) and a deck clearance of 127 feet (38.7 meters) above mean high water.

In the early 19th century, proposals were made to build a bridge connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn, ultimately leading to the design of the Brooklyn Bridge by John Augustus Roebling. The bridge’s chief engineer was his son, Washington Roebling, who was assisted by his wife, Emily Warren Roebling. Construction began in 1870 under the supervision of the New York Bridge Company, which was controlled by the Tammany Hall political organization. Due to numerous controversies and the innovative nature of the design, the project took 13 years to complete. Since its opening, the bridge has undergone multiple modifications. Initially used for horse-drawn carriages and elevated railways, it adapted to meet the growing traffic demands of New York City, with additional bridges and tunnels being built across the East River in the 20th century. The bridge underwent several renovations in the 1950s, 1980s, and 2010s due to structural deterioration. The name “Brooklyn Bridge” originated from a letter to the *Brooklyn Eagle* in 1867 and was officially adopted in 1915.

Today, the Brooklyn Bridge is the southernmost of the four toll-free vehicular bridges connecting Manhattan and Long Island. To its north are the Manhattan Bridge, Williamsburg Bridge, and Queensboro Bridge. The Brooklyn Bridge now accommodates passenger vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. Since its opening, it has been a major tourist attraction and a defining feature of the city’s skyline, symbolizing New York City itself. Over the years, the bridge has hosted various stunts and events and has been the site of several crimes and attacks. It has been designated a National Historic Landmark, a New York City Landmark, and an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.