The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most popular tourist attractions in New York City. It was first built in 1883, making it almost the oldest suspension bridge in the U.S.. Commuters to leave the Brooklyn Bridge over the East River, and is over 1500 meters long. For over twenty years was the longest suspension bridge ever built for the title was eclipsed in 1903.
Originally, the iconic monument was designed by a German immigrant named John Roebling August. He had spent his life designing suspension bridges, but at that time had never designed anything as big or important as the Brooklyn Bridge. Although his original design was used as the basis for the project, while conducting studies for the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge, had his foot crushed between a ferry and a pylon. He was forced to his toes amputated and eventually developed tetanus, which eventually led to his death. In the wake of his death, his son, Washington Roebling placed in charge of the project.
Unfortunately for Washington, during construction he too would experience complications after developing decompression sickness. The condition left him unable to on-site, and all instructions must be delivered to the managers on site by his wife.
The construction of the bridge was not finished until May 24, 1883. Thousands of New Yorkers attended the opening ceremony, and the East Bay was filled with boats. The chairman at that time, Chester A. Arthur attended the opening ceremony and over the bridge next to the mayor of New York, Franklin Edson middle cannons for the celebration.
Today, the Brooklyn Bridge is a very popular tourist attraction and is an integral part of transportation in the city. Even today it still stands as the most effective way to travel from Manhattan to Brooklyn.
After the events of September 11, the bridge was used as a way to the city after the subway system was shut down for fear of more attacks to leave. The huge number of people crossing the bridge was something the original designer never anticipated, but luckily Washington Roebling was redesigned aspects of the bridge, adding a number of support systems for just one event.
The cultural significance of the Brooklyn Bridge is difficult to measure. Although the bridge appears to be commonplace in the minds of most Americans today, at one time the bridge was considered one of the greatest successes in American culture. The building had many years, and the designers faced many unexpected problems during the construction process. Even today the bridge is the most underrated tourist attraction in New York City, and is an integral part of daily life for many people who live there. After the celebration of 125th anniversary of the bridge for a period of five days in 2008, it is clear that the Brooklyn Bridge is still well alive in the hearts and minds of Americans across the nation.