If you’re ever planning a trip to New York then you might find yourself asking: What is New York known for? There is no right answer to this because what is New York not known for? The Big Apple has everything for anyone and you can never find yourself bored in this place, whether you are alone or with friends. If you’re in town for one of the famous New York-style pizzas then there is no better place than old’ Joe’s Pizza. If you want a break from the bustling metropolis, then take a stroll through Central Park. If you have a knack for art, literature, history, and music, then swing by the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The cultural landmarks in New York are endless!
But if you ask any New Yorker, they would tell you that the essential New York experience is actually at none other than the Brooklyn Bridge (one of the many must-see places in New York). Your trip to New York is incomplete without taking a walk through this steel giant.
This suspension bridge spans the East River and has one of the most remarkable views of the city, especially in the early morning. If you’re one for an early morning jog then you must not miss this incredible view.
The bridge connects Brooklyn to Manhattan and has been designated as a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. National Park Service.
Like many other tourist attractions in New York, the Brooklyn Bridge has a rich history and cultural significance associated with it. Read these interesting facts about the Brooklyn Bridge and sharpen your knowledge of the history of New York!
Did you know the following facts about the Brooklyn Bridge?
- The construction took place between 1869 and 1883, taking the structure a staggering 14 years to complete.
- Everyone knows the Brooklyn Bridge but do you know the man behind the project? Well, it was none other than the master architect John Augustus Roebling.
- Did you know that the Brooklyn Bridge was the first of its kind to use steel for cable wires? It was Roebling’s brilliant idea and his own method of weaving that inspired bridge designs for decades to come such as the Cincinnati-Convington Bridge. And this is the reason it is one of the best tourist attractions in New York.
- The bridge faced a lot of construction problems in its life cycle. Want to know the biggest one? Well, it took the life of its own creator as a result of an on-site accident.
- The construction responsibilities were then undertaken by his son Washington Roebling. Sadly, he suffered from decompression sickness and had to leave partially paralyzed.
- Despite his paralysis, Washington Roebling continued to oversee the construction of the bridge with the help of his wife, Emily Warren Roebling. Emily became heavily involved in the project, serving as a liaison between her husband and the construction workers, which has made her a figure of admiration among NYC influencers. She is often credited with playing a crucial role in the completion of the bridge.
- During the construction of the bridge’s towers, workers dug deep underwater caissons (large wooden boxes) to lay the foundations. Many workers suffer from decompression sickness, also known as caisson disease, due to the rapid changes in air pressure within the caissons. This was one of the first known instances of decompression sickness in construction work.
- The bridge for what New York is known for and its brutal construction took the lives of at least 20 workers in its lifespan and many more suffered injuries and decompression sickness.
- Before the completion of the Firth of Forth bridge in Scotland in 1890, this 486-metre monster was recognized as the longest bridge in the world.
- The total length of the bridge approached 6016 feet and can host up to 116,000 vehicles, 30,000 pedestrians, and 3,000 cyclists per day.
- Over the years, the Brooklyn Bridge has been the backdrop for numerous historic events and iconic moments, attracting attention from tourists and famous people who live in New York alike. It has been featured in countless films, television shows, and works of literature, cementing its status as one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world.
- You will find references to the bridge in the works of great poets including Walt Whitman, Hart Crane, and Marianne Moore.
- In 2017, the Brooklyn Bridge received a stunning LED lighting makeover, transforming it into a breathtaking display of color and light. The new lighting system, which can be programmed for various color schemes and patterns, enhances the bridge’s beauty and visibility at night, further solidifying its status as an iconic symbol of New York City. For budget-conscious travelers visiting New York, admiring the bridge’s radiant nighttime display is a must-do experience that won’t cost a dime.
Iconic Movies where you will find the Brooklyn Bridge:
“Spider-Man Trilogy” (2002-2007):
The Brooklyn Bridge features prominently in the Spider-Man films, particularly in “Spider-Man” (2002) and “Spider-Man 3” (2007). The bridge serves as a key setting for several action sequences and dramatic moments.
“The Dark Knight Rises” (2012):
In Christopher Nolan’s epic conclusion to his Batman trilogy, the Brooklyn Bridge stands in for the iconic Gotham City Bridge. The bridge is the site of the final showdown in which Batman carries the bomb from Brooklyn Bridge and away from Gotham City.
“Saturday Night Fever” (1977):
The Brooklyn Bridge is featured in the opening sequence of this classic disco-era film, where the protagonist, Tony Manero (played by John Travolta), struts across the bridge’s walkway against the backdrop of the New York skyline.
“The Godfather” (1972):
While not a major plot point, the Brooklyn Bridge makes a brief appearance in Francis Ford Coppola’s iconic crime drama “The Godfather.” The bridge serves as a symbol of New York City’s grandeur which was set perfectly to set the tone of the movie.
Television Show Features of the Brooklyn Bridge:
“Brooklyn Nine-Nine” (2013-2021):
As the title suggests, the Brooklyn Bridge is a recurring location in this popular police procedural comedy series. The bridge is a backdrop to everything we know and love about Brooklyn (and Jake Peralta, of course).
“Friends” (1994-2004):
In the opening credits of this beloved sitcom, the Brooklyn Bridge makes a memorable appearance as part of the montage showcasing various New York City landmarks.
“Person of Interest” (2011-2016):
The Brooklyn Bridge has a towering presence in the show which works perfectly with the show’s gritty urban atmosphere and sense of scale.
“Sex and the City” (1998-2004):
The Brooklyn Bridge makes several appearances throughout this iconic HBO series, making it a great setting for romantic moments and reflective walks.
Conclusion:
If you ever find yourself in trivia about New York City then this guide is sure to help. Remember, the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the places to visit in New York so make sure to add it to the bucket list!
How did the Brooklyn Bridge get its name?
The bridge was originally known as the “New York and Brooklyn Bridge” or the “East River Bridge,” but it eventually became simply known as the Brooklyn Bridge.
How old is the Brooklyn Bridge?
The Brooklyn Bridge opened to the public on May 24, 1883, making it over 141 years old as of 2024. Its construction began in 1869 and took approximately 14 years to complete.
How long was the Brooklyn Bridge the longest in the world?
The Brooklyn Bridge held the title of the longest suspension bridge span in the world upon its completion in 1883. Its main span, stretching 1,595 feet (486 meters), was the longest of any suspension bridge at the time. The Brooklyn Bridge held this title for over 20 years until the completion of the Firth of Forth cantilever bridge in Scotland in 1890.
