Brooklyn Bridge plans completed and construction begins in New York City (1870)

The Brooklyn Bridge project transitioned from planning to construction in early 1870 following the death of chief engineer John A. Roebling. Washington Roebling assumed leadership, overseeing the initial caisson work despite health challenges arising from compressed air exposure.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. John A. Roebling, a German-born civil engineer, died in July 1869 from tetanus after a ferry crushed his foot during site surveys. His son Washington, who had returned to the U.S. in 1868, was named chief engineer. The New York Bridge Company, controlled by Tammany Hall, oversaw the project, which faced criticism regarding cost and difficulty in early 1869.

Construction Start. Construction officially began in January 1870. The Brooklyn side's caisson was built at the Webb & Bell shipyard in Greenpoint and launched in March 1870. These caissons were essential for reaching bedrock, but working in compressed air caused severe health issues for engineers and workers, including decompression sickness.

Engineering Challenges. Washington Roebling directed efforts to extinguish a fire in a caisson in 1870. However, his health deteriorated due to decompression sickness, preventing him from visiting the site. Despite this, he continued to oversee the project remotely, relying on his wife Emily Warren Roebling to manage operations on his behalf.

People involved

Sources

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