Still in use, over a century later.
On this date in 1883, the now-world-famous Brooklyn Bridge opened to the public for the first time. We’ve touched on the topic of suspension bridges here on AtomicToasters before, but the Brooklyn Bridge remains one of the most distinguished examples around the world for several reasons.
First and foremost, it’s still standing, and still in daily use, which is more than can be said of most bridges — and especially suspension bridges — of its era. The main reason is that it was designed to be roughly six times stronger than it would ever need to be. In an era long before bridge designs would be tested (by engineerd) in a wind-tunnel, its designer, John Roebling, simply over-engineered his design to the point of excess.
It is also significant in that the project was overseen largely by a woman; when John Roebling passed away, his son, Washington Roebling took over the reigns. But shortly after construction began, the second Roebling suffered a paralyzing injury as a result of decompression sickness. His wife, Emily Roebling, became the overseer in his absence, having been taught by her husband virtually everything he knew about the craft. Under her guidance, the bridge was completed, and remains not only a landmark, but an architectural wonder, over a century later.
Thank you for featuring this bridge. I actually own it, having purchased it from a guy I met on my last trip to New York..
Ha ha! You obviously got taken in a scam; you can't possibly own the bridge, because I won it in a game of chance, in trade for my car. I have a deed for it and everything.
Little known fact, did you know that deeds, back in the 1800's, were hastily scribbled on the back of bar napkins? Me neither!
What are you talking about? It was willed to me by my great grandfather over 60 years ago, and I have the notarized (I think) deed stashed around here somewhere. He bought it from the then current owner for a horse and a Zippo lighter.
You people are just so gullible.
If you all will excuse yourselves, I am the owner of the Brooklyn Bridge. I even have my short form deed as evidence.
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2131/2541951009_2a54ba37d9.jpg">
I have recently acquired said Deed by purchase through Paypal as advertised on an African Craigslist Ad.
"In an era long before bridge designs would be tested (by engineerd) in a wind-tunnel, its designer, John Roebling, simply over-engineered his design to the point of excess."
Brookyln Bridge – the Harley-Davidson of bridges.
And both have been in constant use, unchanged, since 1883.