The Great Bridge book cover

The Great Bridge: The Epic Story of the Building of the Brooklyn Bridge by David McCullough

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Recommended by
Jordan Howe
This monumental book is the enthralling story of one of the greatest events in our nation’s history, during the Age of Optimism—a period when Americans were convinced in their hearts that all things were possible.
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Notes

n the years around 1870, when the project was first undertaken, the concept of building an unprecedented bridge to span the East River between the great cities of Manhattan and Brooklyn required a vision and determination comparable to that which went into the building of the great cathedrals. Throughout the fourteen years of its construction, the odds against the successful completion of the bridge seemed staggering. Bodies were crushed and broken, lives lost, political empires fell, and surges of public emotion constantly threatened the project. But this is not merely the saga of an engineering miracle; it is a sweeping narrative of the social climate of the time and of the heroes and rascals who had a hand in either constructing or exploiting the surpassing enterprise.

Concise Summary of the Bridge’s Construction

The construction of the Brooklyn Bridge began in 1870 and was completed in 1883. The bridge is a hybrid cable-stayed/suspension bridge with a main span of 1,595.5 feet (486.6 m). The two towers that support the main span are made of limestone and granite and are each 278 feet (84.7 m) tall.

The bridge’s deck is made of wood and is supported by a series of steel cables. The cables are made up of thousands of individual steel wires, which were spun together on the Brooklyn and Manhattan shores of the river. The cables were then strung across the river and attached to the towers.

The construction of the bridge was a dangerous and challenging undertaking. Workers had to contend with decompression sickness, accidents, and harsh weather conditions. However, the workers persevered, and the bridge was finally completed in 1883.

The Brooklyn Bridge’s Legacy

The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world and is a symbol of New York City and the American spirit. The bridge is also a testament to the engineering genius of John Augustus Roebling and his son, Washington.

The Brooklyn Bridge is still in use today, and it carries over 150,000 vehicles and pedestrians each day. The bridge is also a popular tourist destination, offering stunning views of New York City.