The Brooklyn Bridge is a suspension bridge that crosses the East River

in New York City. It connects Brooklyn and New York. John Roebling
came up with the idea while crossing the river on a ferry boat. At the
time, many people did not think that making the bridge was possible
because of the height needed for the ships and boats to pass beneath
the bridge.

In the winter of 1867, many people’s views on the bridge changed after
the river froze over. People in Brooklyn were unable to get to their jobs
in New York City - people now wanted the bridge. Completion of the
bridge took fourteen years – finally opening on May 24, 1883.
Since 1883, the granite towers and steel cables of the Brooklyn Bridge
have offered a safe and scenic passage to millions of commuters and
tourists, trains and bicycles, pushcarts and cars.
Designed by John Roebling, the bridge’s construction took 14 years,
involved 600 workers and cost $15 million (more than $320 million in
today’s dollars). The length of the Brooklyn Bridge at the main span is
1,597 feet.
At least two dozen people died in the process, including its original
designer. Now more than 125 years old, this iconic feature of the New
York City skyline still carries roughly 150,000 vehicles and pedestrians
every day.
 Just six days after the opening on May 30, 1883, a rumor
spread that the Brooklyn Bridge was going to collapse. This
caused a panic and stampede that crushed and killed 12
people.

 In order to squelch such rumors and demonstrate the

stability of the bridge, P.T. Barnum (of the Barnum and
Bailey Circus) led a parade of 21 elephants across the
bridge on May 17, 1884. Today, the Brooklyn Bridge is a
treasured landmark and a symbol of New York City.
Mrs. Hludzik’s Example #1

Periods 1, 2, & 5