Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Opening day in May of 1883 saw thousands of excited locals streaming onto the bridge for
the ceremony. Thousands of people and almost 2,000 vehicles crossed over on the first day
alone. Just under a week later, rumors about the stability of the structure spread, which un-
fortunately led to several fatalities during a rush to get back on solid ground. Fortunately,
P.T. Barnum (founder of Barnum & Bailey Circus) found a great way to draw attention to
his famous circus, and prove the stability of the bridge. In 1884 he led a parade of elephants
from his show right across.
Prior to 1867, Brooklyn Bridge was originally referred to as both the 'East River Bridge'
and the 'New York and Brooklyn Bridge'. It wasn't until 1915 that the city formally gave
it the name that it proudly carries today. In 1971, it was designated as a National Historic
Civil Engineering Landmark, and also a National Historic Landmark in 1964.
Open for both vehicles and pedestrians, crossing this stunning landmark offers some of the
best views of New York city.
