Brooklyn Bridge 

Sandy Chen Chen 

How the Brooklyn Bridge Shaped New York City

City College of New York

Abstract

In 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge was completed through years of effort and persistence, becoming one of the great masterpieces of New York City. It was first conceived by John A. Roebling, whose creative concept transformed the city forever. The bridge changed the daily lives of New Yorkers by connecting different boroughs and enhancing transportation and communication. Additionally, it also boosted the economy and contributed to the city’s culture. Ultimately, the Brooklyn Bridge was essential to the New Yorkers. Without the Brooklyn Bridge, today New York would be completely different.

Brooklyn Bridge

In 1862, construction began on the famous Brooklyn Bridge, designed to connect Manhattan and Brooklyn. The project was extremely challenging, with engineers and the workers constantly adjusted materials and plans to get around unforeseen obstacles and hazards. However, through the tireless efforts of many, the Brooklyn Bridge was eventually completed. This masterpiece significantly impacts daily life in New York City across multiple dimensions, such as economics, culture, and transportation.

History of Brooklyn Bridge

In the winter, engineer John A. Roebling and his son, Washington A. Roebling rode a Fulton Ferry boat across the East River from New York to Brooklyn. During the journey, John A. Roebling felt that the ferry was too long and inefficient, which inspired him to conceive the idea of constructing a bridge to directly connect Brooklyn and Manhattan (Mann, 1996). In the beginning, no one agreed with John A. Roebling because they all thought that it was impossible. However, because of the cold weather, many people began to listen to John A. Roebling and cooperate with him. But, after John Roebling designed the bridge, he got injured on the boat and was infected very fast, which led him to pass away. Afterward, Washington took over and became the chief engineer of the Brooklyn Bridge. However, soon after, Washington was infected by caisson disease from the fire in the wooden roof of the caisson. This accident led Emily, Washington’s wife, to get involved and help Washington to convey information to the constructor and gradually she was also able to make a big decision. In 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge was completed.

Officers of the New York and Brooklyn Corporation, and workmen,

inspect the cable anchorage on the Brooklyn side of the 

Brooklyn Bridge during construction, October 1878. (AP Photo)

Transportation impact 

The Brooklyn Bridge has impacted New Yorkers in many ways, especially transportation. In the past, the primary means for people to cross the East River between Manhattan and Brooklyn was by ferry. These ferries were essential for daily commutes, trade, and general travel, but they were often hindered by weather conditions and limited capacity, leading to delays and congestion. The construction of the Brooklyn Bridge resolved many of these problems by providing a reliable and efficient alternative, significantly improving connectivity between the two boroughs. As the Brooklyn Waterfront History website (n.d.) noted, “ Horse-drawn wagons and carriages, freed from the necessity of crossing the East River by ferry” (para. 8). This demonstrated that after the Brooklyn Bridge was completed, people not only relied on ferries instead used the Brooklyn Bridge to transport and commute. Today, the Brooklyn Bridge has become integrated with the subway system, further enhancing its role in facilitating daily commutes and improving urban mobility. 

This chart shows the bicycle counts 

conducted by the New York City Department 

of Transportation in Brooklyn Bridge

Economic Growth 

At the same time, the Brooklyn Bridge stimulates the economy of New York. The construction of the Brooklyn Bridge decreased the rate of unemployment by providing jobs to the people. In addition, it also provided a crucial connection between Brooklyn and Manhattan, which made commuting more convenient and promoted economics. The bridge enabled the residents of Brooklyn to access job opportunities in Manhattan, leading to increased prosperity and the development of new housing and local businesses in Brooklyn. Gradually, Brooklyn became a lucrative place for businesses to locate. In an instant, Brooklyn went from a land of pastoral farms to booming industries. Furthermore, Brooklyn Bridge also facilitates travel so consumers can buy goods and services in their communities and beyond. 

“ Naturally became a major transportation artery for the city, and facilitated the movement of people, goods, and ideas between the two boroughs. The bridge spurred massive economic growth and development in Brooklyn” (Scaglione, 2024) 

This shows that the Brooklyn Bridge became an important part of New York that allowed the easy movement of people, goods, and ideas between Manhattan and Brooklyn, which increased consumer circulation and new innovation, which boosted the economy.

Mass transit across the Brooklyn Bridge

Culture Impact

Over time, Brooklyn Bridge became a part of New York. It plays a role in promoting cultural diversity and unity. Brooklyn and Manhattan are home to people from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds. Many artists, filmmakers, and photographers have immortalized the bridge in many different works, further embedding it in the cultural consciousness. It is not only a bridge but also a symbol of people and ideas that continually shape the city’s identity. Brooklyn Bridge serves as a melting pot of New York City, bringing people from different cultures, religions, and ethnicities together. As The Crystal Group (n.d.) observes, the bridge creates “connection and unity between these two diverse areas,” (para. 5) actively fostering the rich diversity that defines New York. This iconic structure not only links Manhattan and Brooklyn physically but also serves as a metaphorical bridge between communities.

People from Brooklyn and Manhattan are crossing through the Brooklyn Bridge

In conclusion, the Brooklyn Bridge has played a transformative role in shaping New York. It connects Brooklyn to Manhattan, which reduces dependence on ferries and paves the way for modern urban mobility. Economically, it stimulates growth by creating jobs and improving consumer circulation.  Culturally, it becomes a symbol of innovation, resilience, and diversity.  Without the Brooklyn Bridge, New York City’s development would have taken a very different path, with limited connectivity, slower economic progress, and less cultural integration.

References

A World Wonder. (n.d.). Economic effect. Retrieved March 27, 2025, from http://www.brooklynbridgeaworldwonder.com/economic-effect.html

Brooklyn Waterfront History. (n.d.). Crossing the Brooklyn Bridge. Retrieved March 27, 2025, from https://www.bkwaterfronthistory.org/story/crossing-the-brooklyn-bridge/ 

Mann, E. (1996). The Brooklyn Bridge. Illustrated by A. Witschonke. Mikaya Press/ Retrieved March 26, 2025.

Scaglione, D. (2024, Jan 22). The Brooklyn Bridge made New York City. Retrieved March 26, 2025, from https://brooklynites.nyc/the-brooklyn-bridge-made-new-york-city/

The Crystal Group. (n.d.). What is the cultural significance of the Brooklyn Bridge in Brooklyn and Manhattan? Retrieved March 27, 2025, from https://visitbrooklyn.online/what-is-the-cultural-significance-of-the-brooklyn-bridge-in-brooklyn-and-manhattan/

Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Brooklyn Bridge–City Hall/Chambers Street station – Construction and opening. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved March 26, 2025,  from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brooklyn_Bridge%E2%80%93City_Hall/Chambers_Street_station#Construction_and_opening