Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge is a mighty steel suspension bridge, and its construction is a tale of death and catastrophes. The bridge was designed by John Augustus Roebling in 1850. Sadly, he died in an accident at the onset of construction. His son, Washington Roebling, takes over as Chief Engineer, but he unfortunately suffers an attack of the bends, which leaves him bedridden for the remainder of his life. Ultimately, it is Washington Roebling’s wife, Emily, who choreographs the construction: Washington relays instructions to his wife from his bedroom window in Brooklyn! Thus, a story begun in 1850 ends up taking 16 years, and 27 lives, to complete. At the end of it all, a Bridge, spanning the East River between Brooklyn and Manhattan has been built. It rises 133 feet above the East River, and achieves a 1,596 foot span. Gothic-inspired archways tower massively above the roadway below, symbolic of the strength and vitality of New York City.

3.5 inches