Here are some facts about the Brooklyn Bridge.
- The Brooklyn Bridge spans the East River in New York City. It connects the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn and was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1964.
- The bridge was opened in 1883 and it was the longest suspension bridge in the world for 30 years. Its main span measures 1,595 feet across.
- The bridge weighs almost 15,000 tons and contains about 15,000 miles of wire. Each of the 4 main supporting cables is almost 16 inches in diameter.
- The bridge’s opening celebrations included fireworks, a gun salute and a musical performance. The first person to cross the bridge was Emily Roebling, the wife of the bridge’s designer.
- It takes about 30 minutes to walk the mile long length of the Brooklyn Bridge. Walking across the bridge at a moderate pace burns about 100 calories; walking slowly burns about 80.
- In 1884 the showman PT Barnum led 21 elephants across the bridge to show that it was strong.
- In 1901, a man was sentenced to two years in jail for ‘selling’ the bridge to a tourist.
- In May, 1883 a rumor was started which led the crowds on the bridge to believe the bridge was about to collapse. At least a dozen people were killed in the resulting stampede.
- On the first day it was open, over 150,000 people and 1,800 vehicles crossed the Brooklyn Bridge. Today about 150,000 vehicles cross the bridge each weekday.
- The Brooklyn Bridge has become one of the most famous sights in New York. It also features in dozens of movies, including Spiderman, Moonstruck and The Siege.
- The Brooklyn Bridge is the symbol for an Italian brand of chewing gum. It has also been used to advertise many other different products.
