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Flashback: Brooklyn Bridge At 127
By
Jen Carlson
Published May 24, 2010
Modified May 24, 2010
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By
Jen Carlson
Published May 24, 2010
Modified May 24, 2010
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Today the Brooklyn Bridge turns 127 years old, making it around 27 years older than its less-respected neighbor, the Manhattan Bridge. We've already taken a less visual look back at the bridge, noting that it wasn't always beloved by locals (many believed it would take away from the New York Harbor's beauty).
Today Inside the Apple points out that the grand opening ceremony was elaborate, and included President Chester A. Arthur, Governor Grover Cleveland, and the mayors of New York and Brooklyn (this is back when they were still independent cities!). Visitors in those days paid one penny to cross the bridge by foot, and just after the ceremony a group got scared the bridge was collapsing, causing havoc and leading to the trampling death of 12 people.
How will you celebrate the less dark years of the bridge—perhaps a love lock, a bike ride, or a commemorative tattoo!
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Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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