On September 11, 2001, the Brooklyn Bridge became an escape route out of Manhattan, for people who witnessed the World Trade Center disaster.
Measuring 6,016 feet (just over a mile) across and at a cost of $15.1 million, the bridge is a symbol of strength and longevity. In 1855, John Roebling, the owner of a wire rope company and a famous bridge designer, proposed a suspension bridge over the East River after getting frustrated with the Atlantic Avenue-Fulton Street Ferry, the only mode of transportation between Manhattan and Brooklyn.
In 1867, a group of prominent leaders formed the New York Bridge Company "for the purpose of constructing and maintaining a bridge across the East River." Two years later, in June 1869, the New York City Council approved Roebling's design. In July that same year, John got his foot crushed on a pier by an incoming ferry. He died from tetanus poisoning resulting from that injury on July 22, 1869. With help from his wife, Mary the construction continued and
ground was finally broken in January 1870, and the foundations took 3 years to construct. Through worker deaths and minor complications, the bridge was finished on May 23, 1883. That day, 150,300 people crossed the bridge.
Now a great place to take a walk or jog, The Brooklyn Bridge graces the skyline.
This is a beautiful piece of architecture and a truly historic place. You can also get great pix of the NYC skyline from the bridge. The cars are below the walkway, which keeps you from getting blown around when the cars speed by...
Walk to or from Brooklyn, or better yet........do BOTH!
Please stay to the right, when heading TO Brooklyn, or on the left when coming FROM Brooklyn as the other side is for bikes or runners. Keep in mind, people WILL yell at you if you’re wandering in the bike lane. It IS marked, but I saw plenty of people just standing in the bike lane.
Just be aware of the people around you.
When you get across into Brooklyn, take a left after you get off the stairs and head down to DUMBO (down under the Manhattan bridge overpass) for a bite to eat or to check out an art gallery.