On May 24, 1883, New York witnessed a landmark moment as the legendary Brooklyn Bridge threw open its doors to the public for the very first time. Stretching across the East River, the bridge served the vital purpose of linking Manhattan and Brooklyn — but it was always much more than a mere transportation route, earning recognition as a genuine work of art. The celebrations that day were nothing short of spectacular: President Arthur and New York Governor Grover Cleveland delivered speeches, while dazzling fireworks lit up the sky. Crowds descended on the scene in droves, and by day's end, an astonishing 150,000 crossings had been made across the new structure.

From an engineering standpoint, the Brooklyn Bridge was a true marvel of its era. When it opened, no suspension bridge on Earth could match its length, boasting a main span that stretched an remarkable 1,595.5 feet. Its construction relied on a steel-wire suspension design, all wrapped in striking neo-Gothic architecture. The visionary behind the project was engineer John A. Roebling, who had the support of both his wife and son in developing the design. Given the sheer ambition and groundbreaking nature of such a massive undertaking, it's perhaps no surprise that construction dragged on for a full 13 years before completion.

Fun Facts about the Brooklyn Bridge:

  • The bridge earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 1964. Over the years, it has accumulated additional honors, including designation as a National Historic Landmark, listing on the New York State Register for Historic Places, and recognition as a New York City Landmark.
  • Before settling into its now-famous name, the Brooklyn Bridge went by other monikers — people called it either the "East River Bridge" or the "New York and Brooklyn Bridge."
  • Years of wear and aging have necessitated several rounds of renovation work, with the most recent taking place in 2010.
  • Architecturally, the bridge is a showcase of Neo-Gothic design, distinguished by its signature pointed arches and elaborate decorative details.
  • The concept of building a bridge at this location stretches all the way back to 1790, though actual construction didn't get underway until 1870.
  • Rising above the car lanes sits an elevated pedestrian promenade — a beloved destination for tourists eager to stroll across and snap photographs.