Brooklyn Bridge 125th Anniversary

The Brooklyn Bridge turned 125 years old over Memorial Day weekend, May 24 2008. The landmark bridges 125th anniversary was celebrated with fireworks, a Brooklyn Philharmonic performance, fanfare and a weekend long colored lights spectacular to honor the bridges cultural and historic contribution.

Designed by engineer John Augustus Roebling, the Brooklyn Bridge opened on May 24, 1883 and was the longest suspension bridge (50% longer than any other bridge in existance). The bridge was a marvel of modern engineering and was dubbed the bridge of firsts - it was the longest suspension bridge in the world, had the tallest towers and the tallest structure in NYC at the time.

The Brooklyn Bridge took 13 years to complete and was the first bridge to use galvanized steel wire for its cables. The bridge cost $15.5 million dollars and an estimated 27 lives. A National Historic Landmark, the Brooklyn Bridge is 5,989 feet long and expands over the East River connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn. 148,000 cars a day cross the bridge. The 2 other bridges connecting Manhattan to Brooklyn include the Williamsburg Bridge and the Manhattan Bridge.

Walking over the Brooklyn Bridge has long been among the favorite things for NYC tourists to do because its free and the view is magnificent. If you want to enter the bridge in Manhattan take the 4,5 or 6 train to Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall stop. If you want to begin your walk on the Brooklyn side take the A or C train to High Street. Don't forget your camera - plenty of amazing photo opps! But be warned to stay off the bicycle lane - they're fast and furious and a meandering photographer could easily take a hit not paying attention.