| One of the highlights of any New York City walking | | | | they formed an effective team who were admired for |
| tour is the magnificent Brooklyn Bridge that connects | | | | their "can do" spirit, with Emily becoming the active |
| the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn. The bridge's | | | | manager and Washington consulting from their |
| Gothic stone towers inspire awe and passion in many | | | | apartment. |
| visitors. The bridge, which spans the East River, was a | | | | The couple faced many difficulties during the |
| modern marvel when it opened on May 24,1883. | | | | construction, including political interference and holding |
| Looking at the beautiful structure today, it's hard to | | | | up of funds. They pushed through these difficulties and |
| imagine that its beginnings were less than stellar. Way | | | | saw the completion of the bridge project that J.A. |
| back in 1867, a noted bride builder by the name of | | | | Roebling had started so many years earlier. |
| John A. Roebling began the project which would | | | | There was jubilation on the first day the bridge opened. |
| become the Brooklyn Bridge. Due to political tussling | | | | There were 150,000 people and 1,800 vehicles crossing |
| and financing issues, construction on the bridge didn't | | | | the bridge that first day. If you were walking across, |
| begin until 1870. | | | | you paid one cent. Vehicles paid five cents. By all |
| Unfortunately, J.A. Roebling would not live to see his | | | | accounts, the Brooklyn Bridge was an artistic, social |
| vision take shape. He died from an injury he'd gotten | | | | and technological success. |
| while visiting the site. Instead, his son, Washington | | | | Today, the Brooklyn Bridge is a national historic |
| Roebling, an accomplished bridge engineer in his own | | | | landmark and people still enjoy walking across its 1,595 |
| right, would take the lead on the project. | | | | foot span. The walk can take anywhere from 30 to |
| Not content to sit on the sidelines and watch, | | | | 60 minutes. The scenery is breathtaking as you stop |
| Washington took an active role in the goings on at the | | | | along the way to read all the historical information |
| construction site. One day, after spending too much | | | | plaques. |
| time in an airtight cylinder underneath the East River, he | | | | In the distance, you can also see that other famous |
| became sick with the bends or "diving sickness" - an | | | | New York City landmark, the Statue of Liberty. Be |
| illness that little was known about at the time. | | | | prepared to bring a jacket with you since the East |
| While Washington partially recovered from his illness, | | | | River kicks up quite a breeze. |
| he was still bedridden. His wife Emily stepped in and | | | | |