Brooklyn Bridge

Steel-wire suspension bridge, opened May 24, 1883. Designed by John A. Roebling, who died before construction began, and built under his son Washington Roebling, with Emily Roebling taking on many of his duties after he fell ill. Its 1,595.5-foot main span broke every span record of its day, and it was the first time galvanized steel wire was used in cable construction. But the reason to go is the elevated promenade, which puts you on the bridge's own center line, walking toward the pointed arches in the towers while the cables fan down around you. Very few great bridges let pedestrians walk inside the structure like this. Go early in the morning, before the crowds.