The Brooklyn Bridge under construction in New York, USA, in 1883

The Brooklyn Bridge under construction in New York, USA, in 1883

Until the Brooklyn Bridge opened on this day in 1883, the only way to travel between the boroughs of Brooklyn and Manhattan in New York City was by boat. At the time of its construction, the Brooklyn Bridge was the world’s longest suspension bridge. It was originally called both the East River Bridge and the New York and Brooklyn Bridge, but the name ‘Brooklyn Bridge’ is the one that stuck.