The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the United States. At the time of its completion, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world spanning 1596 ft. and the first steel-wire suspension bridge. Originally called the New York and Brooklyn Bridge, it was dubbed the Brooklyn Bridge in 1867. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964. The construction of the bridge was a family affair; John Roebling died from a tetanus infection contracted when his toes were crushed in an accident surveying. His son Washington took over; he developed the bends or decompression sickness and ended up being confined to his bed. His wife, Emily ended up helping to complete the project.In 1883, the 1st publicly operated cable powered lines installed on the Brooklyn Bridge.
