The Brooklyn Bridge is more than an architectural marvel. It’s spirit-lifting awe, an iconic landmark, and a symbol of new beginnings and the subject of art, film and music.
Instantly recognizable as one of the most famous bridges in the world with two 278-foot tall, neo-Gothic stone towers, the Brooklyn Bridge combines form with function with beauty. Standing before arches and rectangles with city skyscrapers rising in the distance, will at once inspire a sense of grandiosity and slightness. You’ll be in awe of how such a feat of architecture was accomplished.
“It took 14 long years to build the bridge from 1869 to 1883. Years during which Edison invented the lightbulb and the phonograph. Alexander Graham Bell the telephone. The buffalo were exterminated on the Great Plains. The curveball and catcher’s mask were introduced into baseball. President Chester A. Arthur installed plumbing in the White House. In Europe, Marx died. And Einstein, Lennon, and Picasso were born”. – David McCullough.
The bridge was originally designed by German immigrant John A. Roebling, who died of tetanus after suffering an injury while surveying the site before construction began. His son, Washington Roebling, then assumed the role of chief engineer. During construction, Washington along with a dozen workers developed decompression sickness—known as “the bends”—from rapidly ascending after working in the caissons beneath the river. As Washington became unable to supervise the project in person, his wife, Emily Roebling, took on a critical leadership role. She managed his written communications, met directly with contractors, and demonstrated a remarkable understanding of engineering principles. A pioneer among women in technology and engineering management, Emily later earned a law degree and advocated for women’s suffrage. She also became the first person to cross the bridge, which at the time was the tallest structure in North America.
We took the express train in Stamford, Conn., to Grand Central Station in New York City.
We had a busy morning visiting Times Square, 30 rock, and Economy Candy.
Then we decided to brave the line at TKTS and got tickets for the matinee performance of The Play That Goes Wrong at New World Stages (340 W 50th Street).
On the journey to the Great Bridge, one can start from Manhattan (like we did after the play) and walk across into to Brooklyn, where you can explore all the sights and sounds that Dumbo – for “Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass” and Brooklyn Heights have to offer. Take a spin on Jane’s Carousel, go shopping, bike tour, or explore art spaces. Brooklyn Bridge Park has playgrounds, basketball clinics, yoga, indoor play spaces, and more.
We got to take in in the spectacular views on both sides of the river from the Brooklyn Bridge’s two towers. We enjoyed unobstructed views of both the Manhattan and Brooklyn skylines and saw some of NYC’s most famous skyscrapers such as One World Trade Center and the Empire State Building. We even had a clear view of the Statue of Liberty across the harbor.
On May 24, 1883, Montgomery Schuyler wrote in Harper’s Weekly : “It so happens that the work which is likely to be our most durable monument, and to convey some knowledge of us to the most remote posterity, is a work of bare utility; not a shrine, not a fortress, not a palace, but a bridge”.
After finishing our walk into Brooklyn, the girls were hungry for food. We headed to Ignazio’s located at 4 Water Street (cash only). Is there any better option than pizza in New York for kids? Ignazio’s is run by Lewis Termini, the founder of Connecticut’s own Luna pizza! There was even a framed copy of Hartford Life from October 2005 hanging on the wall. Mr. Termini’s nephew, Alex, now takes care of the CT business.
Unfortunately, it was too late to grab a chocolate chunk ice cream cone at the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory and sit by the waterfront. Instead, we ended the day with Ramen Setagaya, fried chicken, fresh sushi, and delicious deserts from Yamada in Japan Village at Industry City in Brooklyn.
When the Brooklyn Bridge was constructed, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world. The Great Bridge extended 1,595 feet across the East River, connecting lower Manhattan to Brooklyn Heights. Now, it’s a historic staple of the New York City skyline, transporting commuter car traffic underneath and touristic foot traffic above.
Whatever your age, walking the Brooklyn Bridge should be a must on your NYC bucket list!!
Brooklyn Bridge
Follow on Instagram: @brooklynbridgeig
Details:
Parking: No
Stroller-friendly: Yes! The entrance to Brooklyn Bridge on either side has ramps, making it easy to use strollers or wheelchairs.
Bathrooms: The closest bathroom in Brooklyn is at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 1.
Safe: Yes, walking across the Brooklyn Bridge with kids is a wonderful activity. No need to worry about traffic as the walkway is elevated 18 feet above cars and bicycles.
How long does it take: For grown-ups, it takes about 30 minutes to walk the Brooklyn Bridge. Give yourself about 45 minutes with kids. Make sure to make frequent stops to take photos and admire all the views.
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