For the next 11 years, the bridge was built by a woman who history nearly forgot: . With her husband bedridden, Emily became his "eyes, legs, and good right arm".
The vision began with , a pioneer of steel-wire suspension who sought to link Manhattan and Brooklyn. His dream was met with immediate tragedy. While conducting a survey in 1869, his foot was crushed by a ferry. Ever the stubborn scientist, he refused standard medical care, attempting to treat his injury with "water therapy". He died of tetanus a month later, leaving his vision to his son, Washington Roebling . The Price of Depth brooklyn bridge
: Two dozen workers died from gas embolisms, and many others suffered permanent damage while reaching depths of nearly 80 feet below the river. The Silent Engineer For the next 11 years, the bridge was
: Washington himself made frequent trips into the caissons. By 1872, severe attacks of the bends left him partially paralyzed, deaf, and unable to speak, forced to watch the construction through a telescope from his window. His dream was met with immediate tragedy