Once a month, I will focus on an iconic example of American architecture that has inspired me over the years. During a very recent trip to New York City, I was able to revisit one of my favorite spots in the country: the Brooklyn Bridge. It is a breathtaking blend of architecture, engineering, and history.
Brooklyn Bridge, New York City
About the Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most recognizable marvels of American engineering and is iconic worldwide. The bridge (opened in 1883) spans the distance between Manhattan and Brooklyn over the East River. The bridge’s suspension towers were built in the Gothic Revival style. They’re 278 feet tall and built from granite, limestone and cement.
One of my favorite things to do when I’m in the city is cross the Brooklyn Bridge on foot. The pedestrian walkway is elevated above vehicular traffic and the views are brilliant. It can take about 25-30 minutes if you’re a commuter rushing across the bridge to work… but if you’re a tourist who wants to marvel at the views of New York City and snap some photos, it takes about an hour to make the crossing. The length of the bridge is about 1.3 miles! Pretty impressive — especially when you consider that work on the bridge began before the lightbulb was even invented. Since its opening, the Brooklyn Bridge has often been called the “eighth wonder of the world.”
John Augustus Roebling
The creator of Brooklyn’s Bridge was John Augustus Roebling, a renowned pioneer in the design of steel suspension bridges. Born in Germany in 1806, he studied industrial engineering in Berlin and immigrated to western Pennsylvania at the age of 25, where he attempted, unsuccessfully, to make his living as a farmer. After moving to the state capital in Harrisburg, he found work as a civil engineer. He promoted the use of wire cable and established a successful wire-cable factory.
He earned a reputation as a designer of suspension bridges, which at the time were widely used but known to fail under heavy loads or strong winds. Roebling resolved these problems by combining structural elements from previous bridge designs—including stiffening trusses and cable arrays. Roebling successfully bridged the Niagara Gorge at Niagara Falls, New York, and the Ohio River in Cincinnati, Ohio using this model.
The opening of the bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge opened on May 24, 1883. Thousands of residents of Brooklyn and Manhattan Island turned out for the dedication ceremony, which was presided over by President Chester A. Arthur and New York Governor Grover Cleveland. In the first day alone, over 150,000 people walked across the bridge! They used a broad promenade above the roadway that John Roebling designed for the enjoyment of pedestrians.
Built by hand (and blood, sweat and tears), the bridge is a symbol of American ingenuity and tenacity. I am so inspired every time I see it. A couple years ago, I just had to paint it, and it was the perfect addition to my Iconic USA collection. The original painting (seen below) was created on 9×11″ archival watercolor paper with pen and watercolor. While the original was purchased when I announced the release of the painting, I have made it available for prints on paper, canvas, wood, and metal. With the holidays quickly approaching, I’m also offering prints on art gifts such as mugs, puzzles, Christmas ornaments, tote bags and more! Click here to see all the options.
I can’t wait to share more of the iconic American architecture that has inspired me over the years. I’d also love to hear about the historic buildings and structures that have inspired you. Please drop me a line at leisa@leisacollins.com and share your thoughts!
