A month ago I had to go to New York’s Lower Manhattan to take care of some business with my son and when we were finished he suggested that we should walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. After all it was right there waving at us.
And that is exactly what we did. Today I’d like to take you along with us … on a tour of the astonishing Brooklyn Bridge walkway.
For those of you that don’t know the bridge spans almost 6,000 ft. (1.8 Km) between Manhattan and Brooklyn and underneath is the east part of the East River.
This is the entrance to the bridge on the Manhattan side. To the right we see the Civil Center in Lower Manhattan and to the left that super shiny apartment building is called “New York by Gehry” named after world famous architect Frank Gehry.
Brooklyn Bridge is a cable stayed – suspension bridge and one of the oldest roadway bridges in the US. Completed in 1883 it has been designated a National Historic landmark.
It was conceived by John Augustus Roebling, who worked on it until he sustained an injury and developed tetanus after his toes were amputated. He eventually died and his work was carried on by his son Washington Roebling. Washington developed decompression sickness and was confined to his apartment. His wife, Emily Warren Roebling assisted him for the remainder of the construction becoming the “first woman field engineer”.
Looking south we see the Financial District and below the FDR Drive, named for Franklin Delano Roosevelt. This parkway runs the length of Manhattan along the east side.
To the north on the Manhattan side we see the Manhattan Bridge which opened in 1909. It is one of three suspension bridges built in the lower East River, along with the Williamsburg Bridge and of course the Brooklyn Bridge.
You can see the roadway is below the walkway. Walking the bridge also provides us with spectacular views of the Financial District. The One World Trade Center building can be seen in the background.
As we near the first set of Towers we can see how massive they are and also the walkway for the pedestrians.
Another view of the Financial District. On the day we took this walk the weather was partly sunny and not too cold, but it turned out to be perfect for photography. I love the way the light is gently caressing the buildings here.
Looking North again we see a group of buildings and the Verizon tower to the left.
On either side of the pedestrian walkway are the roads for cars. Originally the bridge carried horse-drawn and rail traffic. Now there are a total of 6 lanes for cars and railroad tracks for the trains.
Far off we can see Governors Island and to the left Brooklyn.
The Towers were built in the Neo Gothic architectural style with limestone, granite, and Rosendale cement. The vaults below the towers were rented out by the City in order to fund the bridge.
In this photo we have just passed the first tower and are looking back towards Manhattan. As can be seen there were many pedestrians and also a few bicyclists.
Below, we have reached the center of the bridge. It is worth pointing out that on the opening day of the walkway a total of 1,800 vehicles and 150,300 people crossed, and Emily Warren Roebling was the first to cross.
A few years later P.T. Barnum of the world famous Barnum and Bailey Circus led a parade across the bridge with Jumbo the Elephant, who was his most famous attraction, and 21 other elephants. This proved that the bridge really was stable.
The web-like construction of the cables.
We finally reach the second set of towers which are on the Brooklyn side of the bridge.
Another look at the Manhattan Bridge.
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Below we can see how the walkway is built around the towers and how spacious the whole walkway is.
The bridge was the tallest structure in the Western Hemisphere for years after it was completed and it was named “The Eighth Wonder of the World.”
Looking south to Brooklyn Bridge Park and in the background, Governors Island.
As we walk past the Towers you can see all the tourists and photographers snapping away at these amazing towers.
On the Brooklyn side we see the roads and buildings of the Brooklyn Heights area, an upscale neighborhood full of brownstones. The walkway actually extends well into Brooklyn.
To our right we saw this interesting building 60 Water built on Brooklyn’s historic waterfront neighborhood, DUMBO. This neighborhood has actually become very trendy since it was acquired by the Two Tree Management and turned into a center for tech startups. It it is also the home of e-commerce Etsy headquarters.
And finally we reach the entrance to the Bridge’s walkway.
This walk took us about half an hour, not only did we get our exercise but we also got a view worth a million bucks! I hope you enjoyed my tour of the astonishing Brooklyn Bridge, and if you’re ever in New York it is a must visit.
If you’d like to read more about the bridge and how it was constructed you can look here. And to see more of my photography go to the photo gallery here.
More Photography in New York
Having lived in Brooklyn most my life it was a joy to see your photos and account of crossing the Brooklyn Bridge, Mary! I’ve walked it many times, myself. It us such an endearing symbol of Brooklyn and has stood the test of time. If you get a chance read the book The Great Bridge by David M Cullough–it is fascinating!
From the little research I did Pat, I found it fascinating. I even saw references to the book you mention. Now I’m planning to do it again.
Oh, I enjoyed reading this post. I have been across the Brooklyn Bridge a few times, but I have never walked it. I have wanted to, so maybe on my next visit to NYC.
Barbara, on a good day it is a pleasure to walk across. Just as if you were taking a stroll but with a fantastic view. I hope you make it soon.
Such wonderful pictures! It always amazes me how structures built so long ago are so wonderfully constructed! Thanks for sharing at The Blogger’s Pit Stop! Roseann from http://www.thisautoimmunelife.com
Thank you Roseann this one is incredibly solid.
What stunning photos! And a great tour of the bridge. I love that you included several books about the bridge for further inquiry. Thanks!
I always go out and snap photos and then come home, research things and find myself fascinated by what I had seen.
I’ve always wanted to see the Brooklyn bridge up close and personal. I’m not I’ll ever get the chance but with all your gorgeous photos and interesting snippets it feels like I took the walk with you and your son Mary. I’m all out of breath 😉 I really do enjoy seeing New York through your eyes
It was such an enjoyable walk Michelle I didn’t get tired at all. So much to see and photograph.
Such cool photos Mary, making me wish only more and more to finally go to New York! You know, my daughter had to make the brooklyn bridge in a project for school once, so I remember us researching facts about it, haha. I wish I´d had your post then 🙂
You have to come to NY one day for sure Katrin. The city is so vibrant and full of life. I was very impressed by the history. Had no idea a woman did all the hard work! 😉
Thanks for a magnificent photo walk across the Brooklyn Bridge ~ bet you enjoyed the photo op with your son!
Happy Weekend to you,
A Shutterbug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Oh very much. It is always a pleasure to take a walk with any of my kids.
I totally enjoyed your post on the Brooklyn Bridge. My what a beauty it is. I would love to go for that walk and see all those lovely views. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much Felicia. And I bet you would take incredible photos too!
So very beautiful. Thanks for sharing these great photos.
Thank you Patrick, I had such a great time!
This was so fascinating. I have been to NYC but never had the opportunity to cross the bridge. Hopefully someday I will.
Next time you come up Debra you’ll know this is a must see.
Stunning shots that brought back happy memories of hubby & I walking across the bridge. #mysundayphoto
It is such a remarkable walk, and not one to be forgotten.
Fascinating to see through your eyes Mary. Never know you could walk across it. Beautiful photography too.
Yes Florence I have also walked across the George Washington Bridge, But this one is so much more fun. It has that special wooden walkway and it takes you to another place and time.
great shots and so much information too- thanks!
I was born in Brooklyn at the Brooklyn Naval Hospital in 1942. I was only there because of the war as my dad was stationed there. When he was shipped out my mother and I went to California to live with my Grandmother. I did not go back to Brooklyn until a few years ago- and my sweetie and I walked across the bridge. I love that bridge! Thanks for all the great photos! Cheers!
Thanks so much Kathe. It really is a remarkable bridge and the view is like no other.
My family is originally from Brooklyn and I’ve been to Brooklyn and Manhattan countless times but I never walked the bridge. I’m putting it on my to do list – sounds amazing and I never knew any of the information you shared. Great post – thanks
I love these tours Mary! I’ve learned so many things including that the bridge has a woman’s touch!
Mary, i love learning about the history behind structures like the Brooklyn Bridge. That’s too bad that the father passed away before being able to complete the bridge and that the son was incapacitated, but I’m glad that Emily finished it for them. It really is a beautiful bridge.
These are marvelous images! So glad you shared with us at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2018/02/some-african-ceremonial-masks.html
I always enjoy your tours of New York, Mary. While this one made me kind of dizzy, being afraid of heights, it was such fun to see the famous Brooklyn Bridge up close and personal. Thanks for the tour!
Hi Mary, to think that was constructed back in 1883 is a testiment to John Augustus Roebling. It’s an amazing piece of work and the elephant parade must have bee a comfort back then. I do love looking at your photos, but just the thought of living in a city makes my toes curl!
xx
Thank you for sharing these. A few years ago we were in NYC and by the bridge. All I needed to do was cross the street and I’m on the Brooklyn Bridge, but we were so pressed for time that we didn’t explore the bridge. I am still regretting that omission.
Worth a Thousand Words
Thank you for the tour! Whenever I see the bridge in a movie, I think how fun it might be to walk across it. From your post, I see I’m right. 🙂
I just did that walk for the first time this year. Your photos brought back wonderful memories. 🙂
Wow! I am so impressed by that first woman engineer, and also impressed by your photos.
I love bridges, but I must admit I just love to look at them, and drive over them.
I spent my working life in Vancouver, British Columbia, where there are almost as many bridges as you have in New York, and I never dared cross one on foot.
I certainly enjoyed this blog post!
Kay
An Unfittie’s Guide to Adventurous Travel
Your post brings back good memories. I visited New York about a year a go and walked the Brooklyn Bridge with my sister. It may sound like a touristy things to do but I believe there are many reasons why the bridge is popular. The story behind its construction is fascinating and the neighborhoods at both ends are interesting and beautiful. I think it is a great place to visit.
Great bridge shots
Gorgeous shots of this iconic bridge.
I am really enjoying reading your series on places you visit in New York. Its like I can see it through your eyes. I want to visit there so much.
It looks like your really enjoying it Mary, with all sorts of thing to explore and enjoy.
I would love to walk over the bridge. I am hoping to spend some time in NEw York next fall.
What a structure!
And great pictures. Thank you for the tour. 🙂
Thanks so much Dee!
Thank you for this wonderful tour!! Your photos are beautiful!!
Thanks for the great tour. That is a place I could never go with my fear of heights. – Margy
Fantastic tour of the Brooklyn Bridge, Mary! Gorgeous views and very detailed history. I had no idea that a circus had crossed that bridge at one point! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
I wanted to walk the bridge last time I was there, but it was pouring down rain!
This looks really cool, its amazing how old some of these structures are #happynow
What a beautiful place for fabulous images! Thanks so much for all the information, too. I love learning by little bits and pieces 🙂
Your post on ‘My Corner of the World’ is much appreciated!
Gorgeous views from this bridge. I need to come to New York and walk across it. Thanks for linking up and have a great weekend.
We’ve been to New York and probably drove on this bridge or at least saw it but never walked it! It is really cool and if we ever get back up there, we will have to do this!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Those are wonderful photos! Funny enough, even though I live in New England and have visited NYC a few times I’ve never been on the real Brooklyn Bridge but I have enjoyed the reproduction in Las Vegas.
One of my favorite things to do when I have a conference in Brooklyn is to walk back into the Manhattan!
Wow these are such fabulous photographs, and what a wonderful walk. Restless Jo would love this in her Monday Walks, and it would also be fabulous to be part of linesandsquares
So glad I found you via My Corner of the World
It sure is fabulous!
This wa super fun to read. It is all about my old stomping ground.
Thank you so much for an amazing post and photos. I have never visited New York however if I do I will certainly put the Brooklyn Bridge on my list of must do’s. Those views are amazing #SeniSal
…something that I’ve never seen in person. Thanks for taking my along!