Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge opened on 24 May 1883 as the world's first steel-wire suspension bridge and, with a 486-metre main span, the longest of its time. Designed by John Augustus Roebling, who lost a foot during the 1869 survey and died of the injury; his son Washington Roebling took over, contracted caisson disease and ran the project from his sickbed via telescope - his wife Emily Warren Roebling went to the site daily as his voice. A week after the opening a rumour of collapse triggered a panic that killed twelve people. Today the bridge carries six lanes plus an upper pedestrian and bicycle promenade; it is on the tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage. Sunset from Pulaski Pier in Brooklyn is the classic vantage point.