NEW YORK (WCSC) — On this day in history, the Brooklyn Bridge officially opened in 1883, connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn over the East River.
At the time, the bridge was the longest suspension bridge on Earth and was hailed as the “eighth wonder of the world.” Before the Brooklyn Bridge, people primarily crossed the East River between Brooklyn and Manhattan using a busy network of steam-powered ferries.
The bridge was designed by John A. Roebling. Construction began in 1869, costing roughly $18 million. During the opening ceremony, thousands attended, with over 150,000 people and 1,800 vehicles crossing on the first day.
After opening, the Brooklyn Bridge underwent several reconfigurations, having carried horse-drawn vehicles and elevated railway lines until 1950. To alleviate increasing traffic flows, additional bridges and tunnels were built across the East River.
President Chester A. Arthur and New York Governor Grover Cleveland were in office at the time.
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