BROOKLYN BRIDGE
"The work which is most likely to become 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." - Harper's Weekly (1883) that says it all doesn't it, the Brooklyn Bridge has indeed endured the test of time.
With a total length of over 6,000 feet, this is a formidable bridge. It took over 13 years to build after having been discussed for more than 50 years. While it was agreed that a bridge connecting Brooklyn and lower Manhattan was a good idea, how to do it without causing disruption to the shipping lanes was an issue that had to be overcome.
John Roebling came up with a suspension bridge design and made a determined pitch to City Hall. He was met with initial resistance but persistence paid off. Brooklyn took the major portion of the risk and they got to set and collect the tolls.
One note of interest, dynamite was used for the first time on the construction of a bridge for the Brooklyn Bridge. Construction came at a great cost not only of money but in lives. Twenty men lost their lives working on the construction.
Washington Roebling, son of John Roebling, who had taken over father his father's death, was paralyzed in an accident. His wife Emily learned higher mathematics and bridge building to become her husband's eyes on the site, pretty amazing for a woman in this time period.
Today the bridge soars over the East River at 135 feet at its highest point and this height has become a standard for bridges. It is as amazing a sight today as it was 135 years ago when it was completed.
GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE
When it comes to being the most recognizable bridge in the United States, there is no bridge that can compare with the Golden Gate. Named for the straits that it crosses and completed in 1937, this bridge took only four years to construct. Safety measures were used to protect the workers and it looked as if it was going to be the model for bridge building safety. An unfortunate accident took the lives of ten workers all at one time bringing the total to 11. There were another 19 who were saved by the safety net that was used.
The Golden Gate has been used as a backdrop for several major flicks over the years including Superman with Christopher Reeves and Star Trek VI. When I visited we crossed over and parked on the Marin County side to take pictures, it was spectacular.
"At last the mighty task is done; Resplendent in the western sun. The Bridge looms mountain high; its titan piers grip ocean floor, its great steel arms link shore with shore, its towers pierce the sky."
Part of a poem written by chief engineer Joseph P. Strauss upon the completion of the bridge.
CHESAPEAKE BAY BRIDGE-TUNNEL
Though it may not be the most recognized of the U.S. bridges, The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel is unforgettable. Shortly after its opening in 1964, it was named one of the Seven Engineering Wonders of the Modern World and justifiably so.
Covering 17.6 miles it is considered the world's longest bridge-tunnel. Connecting southeastern Virginia with the Delmarva Peninsula, it cuts 95 miles off the trip from Virginia Beach to Wilmington, Del. I know this from my own experience. When our son was stationed at Virginia Beach we would drive to visit him from Conn. and took advantage of the bridge-tunnel to cut down on the driving time.
PHILIPPI COVERED BRIDGE
Covered Bridges are quintessentially American and Lemuel Chenoweth is a giant in the field of covered bridges. Though most of his bridges were constructed in West Virginia his fame has spread beyond that region.
Built in 1852 this bridge played a historically significant part in the Battle of Philippi Bridge during the Civil War. The bridge had to be almost completely rebuilt in the 1980s due to a devastating fire. Located in the town of Philippi West Virginia this bridge is part of the Beverly to Fairmont Turnpike and is the only covered bridge that is part of the National Highway system.
LONDON BRIDGE
While not originally an American bridge it has found a home in Lake Havasu Arizona. Of course, it wasn't the bridge the buyers were expecting. For some reason, they thought that Tower Bridge was London Bridge. Surprise, someone didn't do their homework.
If you can't get to London you can still see the London Bridge. You won't be too impressed, this isn't a terribly old bridge, it was built in 1831 but it is from London and one of a kind at least in the United States.
While this is not anywhere near all the interesting bridges in the United States, hopefully, it is enough to peek your interest to dig deeper and find out more about the rest.
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