Ep 10. The Great Bridge: 8 Miles of Steel

The Great Bridge: 8 Miles of Steel, the tenth episode of Season 1 of Modern Marvels, is a fascinating exploration of one of the most iconic landmarks in American history: the Brooklyn Bridge. This episode takes viewers on a journey through the bridge's history, from its inception in the mid-19th century to its completion in May of 1883, to its continued significance in the modern era.

The episode begins by giving viewers a sense of the scope and scale of the Brooklyn Bridge. At 8,000 feet long, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world when it was built, and it connected the two major cities of New York and Brooklyn for the first time. Using a combination of archival footage and modern-day footage shot on location, the show highlights the sheer magnitude of the structure and the ingenuity required to construct it.

Next, the episode delves into the history behind the bridge's construction. The idea for the bridge first arose in the mid-19th century, as both cities were experiencing rapid growth and needed a more efficient way to transport people and goods across the East River. However, the project faced significant challenges, including opposition from landowners, technical hurdles related to the design of the bridge, and escalating costs.

Nevertheless, a talented team of engineers and builders persevered in their efforts to make the bridge a reality. One of the key figures in this effort was the bridge's chief engineer, a man named John Roebling. Roebling was a visionary who had long been fascinated by the concept of building a suspension bridge, and he spent years planning and designing the structure before construction began. However, tragedy struck when Roebling died of tetanus just a few months into the project, leaving his son Washington Roebling to step in and lead the effort.

Despite the many difficulties faced by the Roeblings and their team, the bridge was finally completed in the spring of 1883. The show highlights the grand opening ceremony, which was attended by thousands of New Yorkers and featured a spectacular fireworks display. The episode also touches on the bridge's early years, during which it became a symbol of American ingenuity and a testament to the power of innovation.

Finally, the episode examines the continued significance of the Brooklyn Bridge in the modern age. Now over 135 years old, the bridge remains a vital part of the New York City skyline and a popular tourist attraction. It has also been the site of many historic events, including the 1913 suffragette march across the bridge and the September 11th attacks, during which the bridge served as a critical evacuation route for people fleeing Lower Manhattan.

In sum, The Great Bridge: 8 Miles of Steel is a captivating exploration of one of America's most iconic landmarks. Through a mix of stunning visuals, historical context, and expert commentary, the episode brings to life the challenges and triumphs of building such a massive and complex structure, and demonstrates why the Brooklyn Bridge continues to captivate and inspire people to this day.