Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge was begun in 1867 and completed in 1883. It is 6,016 feet from end to end (1.14 miles) and stands 135 feet above the water. Due to its size, magnitude and the crudeness of the tools and engineering available at the time, nearly 30 deaths occurred during the its construction, including the accidental death of John Roebling, the chief engineer.

Of the bridge, Roebling wrote, "The great towers...will be ranked as national monuments. ... As a work of art, and a successful specimen of advanced bridge engineering, this structure will forever testify to the energy, enterprise, and wealth of that community which shall secure its erection."

As it turns out, John was right. The bridge is still standing and one of the great landmarks of this great city. So much so that we made it a critical stop along our journey.

Aside from the magnificence of the bridge itself, it offers some superlative views:

Stunning.