Williamsburg Bridge
Williamsburg Bridge Under construction: Courtesy of NYPL Digital Collection, Ewing Galloway, 1903
The Williamsburg Bridge, opened December 19th, 1903, spans the East River, connecting the Lower East Side of Manhattan and the neighborhood of Williamsburg, Brooklyn. It was designed by architect Henry Hornbostel with the help of chief engineer, Leffert L. Buck. When it opened, it was the largest suspension bridge in the world.
Prior to the opening of the bridge, immigrants from Germany and Ireland were making Williamsburg their new home. At this time, Wiliamsburg offered an endless number of employment opportunities in factories along the East River, such as the Havemeyer and Elder Sugar Company. Jobs were not only offered at Elder Sugar Company, but also through local shops that helped support the distribution and creation of goods. In addition to the ample ferry service that made Williamsburg an inexpensive and accessible area to live, the Brooklyn Bridge aided in moving people between the two boroughs. As the ferries and the Brooklyn Bridge grew crowded due to increases in population and traffic, there became a need for a new bridge crossing the East River.
When first planning the bridge, Frederick Uhlmann, the owner of a large portion of the Brooklyn Union Elevated Railroad, proposed the idea for two bridges creating a subway loop for his rail lines. However, after much debate, and after Uhlmann selling his rights to the New East River Bridge Commission, the plan was reduced to one bridge, which would be equipped for cable and surface cars, as well as pedestrians.
After seven years of construction the bridge opened, but only to pedestrians, bicycles, and carriages. When it was completed, it had two foot walks, two bicycle paths, two elevated railroad tracks, four trolley tracks, and two roadways. Being able to withstand a substantial amount of traffic, the Williamsburg Bridge not only relieved traffic from the Brooklyn Bridge, but also allowed more immigration into Williamsburg. This time Italian, Russian, and Polish immigrants, some of Jewish faith, came from the Lower East Side of Manhattan.
The construction of the bridge contributed to increases in population that yielded a diverse community in Williamsburg. After its completion, many two and three story houses were demolished to build six to eight story apartment buildings in order to meet the demands of a growing population. Local businesses grew as well, corresponding to the the bridge drop off in the area. The Williamsburg Bridge also connected families that were separated by the East River, via its pedestrian walkway.
After seven years of construction the bridge opened, but only to pedestrians, bicycles, and carriages. When it was completed, it had two foot walks, two bicycle paths, two elevated railroad tracks, four trolley tracks, and two roadways. Being able to withstand a substantial amount of traffic, the Williamsburg Bridge not only relieved traffic from the Brooklyn Bridge, but also allowed more immigration into Williamsburg. This time Italian, Russian, and Polish immigrants, some of Jewish faith, came from the Lower East Side of Manhattan.
The construction of the bridge contributed to increases in population that yielded a diverse community in Williamsburg. After its completion, many two and three story houses were demolished to build six to eight story apartment buildings in order to meet the demands of a growing population. Local businesses grew as well, corresponding to the the bridge drop off in the area. The Williamsburg Bridge also connected families that were separated by the East River, via its pedestrian walkway.