The Brooklyn Bridge, an iconic feat of 19th-century engineering, officially opened to the public on May 24, 1883. Connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn across the East River, the bridge was celebrated as an engineering marvel of its time, featuring the longest suspension bridge span in the world at that point. Its construction, led by John A. Roebling and his son Washington Roebling, overcame numerous challenges, including the tragic death of John and severe illness of Washington. The bridge not only transformed New York City’s urban landscape but also symbolized the ingenuity and persistence of the American spirit.