Featuring: Brooklyn Bridge

As the oldest suspension bridge in the United States, the Brooklyn Bridge connects Manhattan and Brooklyn across the East River. It was completed in 1883, and still holds up, bringing commuters and travelers to their destinations day after day.

The bridge measures an impressive 5,989 feet (1825 m), so those with a faint heart for bridge travel won’t feel exactly at ease. But having lasted long over a decade, the bridge has no safety-related casualties and is a cause for utmost convenience.

According to an inscription on the structure, the builders were John Roebling, Washington Roebling, and Emily Warren Roebling. It took thirteen years to complete. Washington was the Chief Engineer and his father, John, died mid-way from disease related to an accident. Later on, Washington also was injured, and Emily, his wife, led the way, assisting in the supervision

of the bridge’s construction. The bridge cost $15.5 million to build.

In addition to traffic, the bridge holds a wide walkway for walkers and cyclists.

The construction of the bridge is detailed in the book The Great Bridge: The Epic Story of the Building of the Brooklyn Bridge by David McCullough.

We thank our in-house artist and illustrator Mark H. Hayward for this month’s illustration. You can find out more about Mark and his work, and view his Illustration Portfolio here.