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The Brooklyn Bridge

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The Brooklyn Bridge stands towering above New York City’s rugged East River, connecting Manhattan to Brooklyn and vice versa. The bridge’s ends extend quite inward on both sides, perhaps as if it were extending its arms to millions of travelers on bikes and cars, ensuring they enjoy the secure and beautiful corridor. The granite pillars married with galvanized steel wires of the bridge remain steadfast since its opening in 1883. Every day, over 150,000 automobiles and passengers pass under this famous part of the New York City skyline.

The architect of the Brooklyn Bridge, John A. Roebling, was a renowned innovator in the field of metal-suspended bridge structures. Born in 1806, Roebling studied engineering in Berlin, Germany, before immigrating to the US after suddenly deciding to become a farmer. Later, he relocated to Harrisburg, the state capital, where he worked as a structural engineer. He established a dependable wire-cable industry and proposed its application in large-scale structure construction.

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The Brooklyn Bridge Is Made from Blood, Sweat and Tears

At least 20 workers lost their lives during the construction of the bridge. Before the project even got underway, the very first fatality occurred in 1869. The bridge’s engineer, John A. Roebling, a native of Germany, lost a foot one day while collecting compass readings. Dozens more had crippling injuries, including Washington Roebling, who succeeded his father as chief engineer.

Despite the tragedies that ensued, there was a huge event for the bridge’s opening. A large crowd turned out for the inauguration ceremony on May 24, 1883. When the spectators arrived at the tower on the Manhattan side, festive mortar fires broke out. A one-hour fireworks show, banquets, and various speeches were also part of the celebrations. Over 150,000 people rushed across the bridge for the next 24 hours after it opened to the public just before midnight.

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The Cost of Building The Brooklyn Bridge

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The Brooklyn Bridge took 14 years and \$15 million to construct. In today’s terms, this would cost more than $1.5 billion if the workers and materials were valued at what they are today. In 1967, the bridge and several other Manhattan and Brooklyn properties were named NYC Landmarks by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC), the largest municipal preservation agency in the United States. The landmarks are protected and maintained according to the regulations set by LPC. The Brooklyn Bridge, similar to other structures, was awarded this position to acknowledge its historical, architectural, and cultural significance. The bridge has since undergone significant renovations in the 1950s, 1980s, and 2010 to meet the growing traffic needs of modern vehicles. In 2016, the budget for renovating the bridge had increased to $811 million. The bridge is currently undergoing $337 million worth of rehabilitation, which is expected to be completed by 2023.

Perhaps more than any other American man-made structure, the Brooklyn Bridge has inspired artists, immigrants and tourists alike. The structure has been graced by the presence of the most iconic movie stars and commercial directors featured in movies and advertisements. Advertising campaigns have utilized the bridge to promote anything from moisturizers to pure alcohol. The Brooklyn Bridge is truly a feat of American engineering and hard work.

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