The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most recognizable landmarks in New York City, but when construction began in the 1860s, many people believed it was impossible to build.

In this episode of Architecture Topics, we explore the complete story behind the Brooklyn Bridge, from the days when ferries were the only way to cross the East River, to the dangerous construction of the bridge’s underwater foundations using pneumatic caissons.

We talk about John Augustus Roebling’s ambitious suspension bridge design, the illness that nearly ended the project, the crucial role played by Emily Warren Roebling, and how the completed bridge helped transform Manhattan and Brooklyn into a single city.

We also explore the engineering breakthroughs behind the bridge, the human cost of its construction, the famous elephant crossing that helped restore public trust, and how the Brooklyn Bridge became one of the defining symbols of New York.