Brooklyn Bridge: A Saga of Determination
by John and Washington Roebling had several bridges to cross, several obstacles to be overcome, before building the Brooklyn bridge. They decided to take one bridge at a time…
The Brooklyn Bridge, with its majestic stone towers and graceful steel cables, isn’t just a beautiful New York City landmark, but also a favored route many thousands of daily commuters use every day. It was the longest suspension bridge in the world from its opening until 1903, and the first steel-wire suspension bridge. It has evoked the most glowing tributes from all, and is a testament to man’s ability to rise above the supposed limits of the day and of his determination to stand against the bitterest of criticisms and the most depressing predictions of doom.
Image via Wikipedia
Image via Wikipedia
The New york State proposed that by connecting the boroughs of Brooklyn and Manhattan through a bridge over the East River, a solution could be provided to overcrowding in Manhattan while simultaneously spurring development in Brooklyn. Manhattan was one of the world’s leading commercial, cultural, financial, medical, and tourist centers and a new transportation link would lead to rapid growth of Brooklyn.
The New York State legislature chartered a company to build a bridge across the East River in 1867, and chose John Augustus Roebling, a German immigrant, as its chief engineer. John Roebling was one of the premiere bridge builders in the world at the time. In fact, as early as 1857, John had drawn designs for enormous towers that would hold the bridge’s cables, because it had been his passionate dream to build this bridge.
The Challenges
According to historian David McCulloug, John Roebling drew the plans, including surveys, cost estimates and a written proposal in 14,000 words within three months, a feat that even today’s engineer would find it challenging to match even with modern word- and image-processing software.
Roebling had proposed building a suspension bridge using twisted wire-rope cable to allow ships to pass beneath it. Skeptics warned the East River, being a salt water estuary, was prone to turbulence and tidal conditions and would bring the entire bridge crashing into it. Ferry companies saw the bridge as an end to their businesses, and tried to use political influence to scrap the bridge.
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Post CommentMaxBuceo
On February 22, 2011 at 2:54 pm
Great job. I like this post
Jimmy Shilaho
On February 22, 2011 at 3:18 pm
An informative piece.
sujaysen
On February 22, 2011 at 3:41 pm
So nice and informative writing. Thanks.
giftarist
On February 22, 2011 at 7:35 pm
Imagine the hard work. Great share, friend.
Jay Banzon
On February 23, 2011 at 6:03 am
informative share i like it!
Freethinking
On February 23, 2011 at 9:20 am
Your article was a joy to read. The Brooklyn Bridge was an exercise in patience and tolerance and to this very day serves us well as an engineering marvel.
CHAN LEE PENG
On February 23, 2011 at 11:48 am
This was one of the greatest bridges ever made. It needed patience and determination to build up its structure.
monica55
On February 23, 2011 at 1:44 pm
Great job. Your research has elucidated this point wonderfully: When knowledge and insight are met with patience and determination, they give birth to achievement. Thanks for the share.
Monica.
Cuissade Mission
On February 23, 2011 at 4:30 pm
Surprisingly good. I say surprisingly because I have 0 interest in the topic but despite this enjoyed reading it anyway.
Good job.
Judy Sheldon
On February 24, 2011 at 9:16 pm
This was fascinating. I’ve seen and been on this bridge many times but never knew it had such a wonderful history.