Brooklyn Bridge 

       Sandy Chen Chen 

How the Brooklyn Bridge Shaped New York City

City College of New York

Abstract

The Brooklyn Bridge was constructed in 1852. It was constructed with the help of many people’s effort and persistence. Because of their effort, Brooklyn Bridge was built and became one of the great masterpieces of New York. It affects the daily life of New Yorkers by providing them a way to communicate with different boroughs of people. Not only that, it also boosts the economy by improving transportation and making New York culture more diverse. In conclusion, the Brooklyn Bridge was essential to the New Yorkers. WIthout Brooklyn Bridge, today New York would be completely different..

Brooklyn Bridge

In 1852, construction began on the famous Brooklyn Bridge, designed to connect the cities of Manhattan and Brooklyn. The project faced immense difficulties, with engineers and workers frequently adjusting materials and plans to overcome unforeseen challenges and dangers. However, through the tireless efforts of many, the Brooklyn Bridge was eventually completed. This masterpiece not only solved transportation challenges but also became a symbol of innovation and progress. 

 History of Brooklyn Bridge

  In the winter, John A. Roebling, an engineer fascinated with bridges, 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. 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 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, later on, Washington was infected by caisson disease because of 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. Until 1869, 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, particular in transportation and daily life. 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 provided a reliable and efficient alternative, significantly improving connectivity between the two boroughs. As the Brooklyn Historical Society noted, “ Horse-drawn wagons and carriages, freed from the necessity of crossing the East River by ferry” were able to move more effectively across the bridge. This demonstrated that after the Brooklyn Bridge was completed, people not only relied on ferries instead used the Brooklyn Bridge to transport. Today, the Brooklyn Bridge became 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 

Besides transportation, the Brooklyn Bridge also boosts the economy of New York. The construction of Brooklyn Bridge provided jobs to the unemployed people, which decreased the rate of unemployment. Besides, it provided a crucial link between Brooklyn and Manhattan, making commuting more convenient and promoting economic growth. The bridge’s connection between the two cities enabled 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 purchase 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” (Dawn Scaglione) 

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.

1847 map of Lower Manhattan, reproduced in Twelve 

Historical New York City Street and Transit Maps from 1860 to 1967.

Mass transit across the Brooklyn Bridge

Culture Impact

Over time, Brooklyn Bridge integrated into the United States culture. It plays a role in promoting cultural diversity and integration. 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. This iconic structure not only bridges rivers but also people and ideas, continually shaping the city’s identity. Brooklyn Bridge serves as a symbol of the melting pot that is New York City, bringing together individuals from different cultures, religions, and ethnicities. “ also symbolizes the connection and unity between these two diverse areas”. Demonstrate that Brooklyn Bridge connects two different areas of people, which combine the culture making the culture more diverse.

People from Brooklyn and Manhattan are crossing through the Brooklyn Bridge

In conclusion, Brooklyn Bridge has played a transformative role in shaping New York. It connects Brooklyn to Manhattan, which reduces dependence on ferries and paves a way for modern urban mobility. Economically, it stimulates growth by creating jobs and making 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

Brooklynites.nyc. (n.d.). The Brooklyn Bridge made New York City. Retrieved 03/26, from https://brooklynites.nyc/the-brooklyn-bridge-made-new-york-city/

Brooklyn Bridge: A World Wonder. (n.d.). Economic effect. Retrieved 03/27, from http://www.brooklynbridgeaworldwonder.com/economic-effect.html

Brooklyn Waterfront History. (n.d.). Crossing the Brooklyn Bridge. Retrieved 03/27, from https://www.bkwaterfronthistory.org/story/crossing-the-brooklyn-bridge/ 

Mann, E. (1996). The Brooklyn Bridge. Illustrated by A. Witschonke. Mikaya Press.

Visit Brooklyn Online. (n.d.). What is the cultural significance of the Brooklyn Bridge in Brooklyn and Manhattan? Retrieved 03/27, 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 03/26, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brooklyn_Bridge%E2%80%93City_Hall/Chambers_Street_station#Construction_and_opening