The Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge that spans the river between Manhattan and Brooklyn is simply an engineering miracle. In 1883, a creative engineer, John Roebling, was inspired by an idea for this spectacular bridge project. However, bridge-building experts told him to forget it, for it was impossible. Roebling convinced his son, Washington, an up-and-coming engineer, that the bridge could be built. They conceived the concept of how it could be accomplished and how to overcome the obstacles. They convinced bankers to finance the project. Then, with great excitement and energy, they began to build their dream bridge. The project was underway only a few months when a tragic accident killed John Roebling and severely injured his son. Washington was severely brain-damaged, and was unable to talk and walk. Everyone thought that the project would have to be stopped and destroyed, since the Roeblings were the only ones who understood how the bridge could be built. Though Washington was unable to move and talk, his mind was as sharp as ever. One day as he lay in the hospital bed, an idea flashed in his mind as to how to develop a communication code. All he could move was one finger, so he touched the arm of his wife with that finger. He tapped out the code to communicate to her what she was to tell the engineers who continued building the bridge. She had studied engineering and higher maths, and so was able to provide crucial assistance until the bridge’s completion. For 13 years, Washington tapped out his instructions with one finger until the Brooklyn Bridge was finally completed. His wife was the first person to cross the bridge.