Every great work demands dedication, commitment and a sense of deep purpose not only from an individual but from the complete team of a project. The story of making of 'East river bridge' also known world wide as "Brooklyn Bridge" is an example of this fact.
German engineer John Roebling conceived the idea to build a spectacular bridge connecting New York with the Long Island at a time when many bridge building experts throughout the world thought that this was an impossible feat .
Roebling with vision he had in his mind of this bridge knew deep in his heart that it could be done.He made the design but unfortunately right after begining John suffered an injury and died of tetanus in 1869 .his son Washington , an up and coming engineer, took over the supervision but again as tragedy would have , only a few months later aged 32 Washington was also injured due to paralyzing disease due to decompression sickness, which inhibited his movement to inspect the work on site .
In spite of his handicap Washington was never discouraged and still had a burning desire to complete the bridge and his mind was still as sharp as ever. It was his wife Emily Warren Roebling who provided the critical written link between her husband and the engineers on site.Under her husband's guidance, Emily studied higher mathematics, the calculations of catenary curves, the strengths of materials, bridge specifications, and the intricacies of cable construction.She spent the next 11 years assisting Washington Roebling, helping to supervise the bridge's construction.The bridge was completed in 1893 and she was deservingly the first lady to walk on it .
Today 125 years later the spectacular Brooklyn Bridge stands and is undergoing revamping and expansion in all its glory as a tribute to the triumph of indomitable spirit and determination of human spirit.
