Brooklyn Bridge turns 140
The 140th anniversary of the day the Brooklyn Bridge opened to traffic is May 24, 2023. At the time of its completion, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world, connecting the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn across the East River.
The bridge, designed by engineer John Augustus Roebling, is a National Historic Landmark designated by the U.S. National Park Service.
Construction began on the bridge in 1869 and finished in 1883. Numerous complications occurred through the years, including the death of the designer John A. Roebling at the beginning of construction following an accident that occurred on a ferry slip while he was examining the worksite.
His son, Washington Roebling, and daughter-in-law Emily Warren Roebling undertook direction of the construction of the bridge until it was completed in 1883.
The following text is from The Associated Press article, "Opening of the Brooklyn Bridge”, printed in The Gazette (Cedar Rapids Iowa – Thursday, May 24, 1883
To-Day's News
Associated Press Report
Brooklyn's Bridge
Completion of the Great Bridge connecting Brooklyn and New York.
NEW YORK, MAY 24. — To-day was a gala day in Brooklyn. Throughout the city there appeared to be a general surrender of business to sight seeing and celebration. The main business avenues, the heights and many streets clear out into the suburbs were decked most gaily with flags and bunting and flowers for the bridal with city over the river. The public building, private houses, street cars, wagons and trucks, all flying colors of all nations in honor of the opening of the high bridge. On every hand preparations are being made for illumination to-night. Great satisfaction is expressed among the people of Brooklyn at this completion, of which so much is expected for their city. Venders of bridge souvenirs were about in hundreds and hundreds and found ready sale for their wares. Enterprising merchants took the opportunity of advertising their wares on the backs of pictures of the Brooklyn bridge. Fulton street from the furthest end to the river front was gay with colors. The decoration of the Academy of Music has occupied a small army of men, and is being prepared for the reception to-night.
The President and Cabinet, together with other distinguished invited guests, entered carriages on the south side of the hotel, and preceded by military escort moved down Fifth avenue and Broadway to city hall park, where the member of the common council received the President and Cabinet.
The picket fence in front of the bridge has been removed and a strong force of police guard the approach. Crowds began to gather early, and waited with patience the arrival of the procession and the beginning of the ceremonies.
Through Columbia Heights and streets opening into that fashion neighborhood the decorations were very general and the effect handsome. The houses of Col. Roebling, chief engineer of the bridge, and Mayor Lowe, of Brooklyn, were decked with flowers and bunting and coat of arms of New York and Brooklyn. The invalid engineer will receive the president and mayor in the evening for a brief hour. The Colonel is feeling better to-day, but is to weak leave his house and share in the ceremonies at the bridge.
The 7th regiment, detailed as military escort for the occasion, assembled at the armory in full uniform this morning. A guard of twenty was detailed to march along the side of the president's carriage. The command marched down Park and Fifth avenue to Fifth Avenue Hotel, the president's quarters, where it was drawn up. The sidewalks along the route were lined with people.
When bridge designer John A. Roebling incorporated the promenade into the design of the bridge, he said it was important that the people take part in the leisures afforded by the bridge.
Since it was first opened, the Brooklyn Bridge promenade has served as a walkway for leisurely strolls, as the backdrop of protests and marches, and has been used as a way to travel from Brooklyn to Manhattan and back during emergencies such as public transportation strikes, blackouts, and during the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attack.
Throughout the 20th century, the bridge has been a popular setting in literature, film and television shows.
According to the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) the total length of the bridge and approaches is 6,016 feet, with a main span of 1,595.5 feet and 135 feet of clearance at the center.
The bridge has been a target for possible suicides and pranksters for many years.
Extensive reconstruction was performed on the bridge from 1944 to 1954, removing railroad and trolley tracks and converting the roadway from two lanes to three lanes. Continuous construction projects throughout the last century have been performed to update for modern traffic needs, included adding designated bicycle lanes to accommodate an increase in cyclists using the bridge.
Text Excerpts
From "Opening of the Brooklyn Bridge”, printed in The Gazette (Cedar Rapids Iowa – Thursday, May 24, 1883
Text and photo curation by Kathleen Elliott
AP Photo archive on Instagram