Brooklyn Bridge

The bridge opened in 1883 after fourteen years of work. Its designer, John Roebling, died of tetanus contracted on site; his son Washington took over and was left paralysed by caisson disease, directing the work from his window — his wife Emily carried the daily liaison for eleven years.

It was the first steel-cable suspension bridge, and the longest in the world when it opened. The pedestrian deck runs above the traffic on timber boards, passing through both granite arches.