Today marks the 130th anniversary of the opening of the Brooklyn Bridge, connecting the boroughs of Brooklyn and Manhattan over the East River. This beautiful national historic landmark was hailed as "the eighth wonder of the world" when it opened it 1883 -- at a span of 1,595 feet, it was the largest suspension bridge at that time. It was designed by John Roebling and cost about $15 million to complete.
When the bridge first opened, people were concerned about its safety. On May 17, 1884, circus showman P.T. Barnum led 21 elephants across the bridge to prove that it was stable. This historical tidbit is the subject of the picture book
Twenty-One Elephants by Phil Bildner:
Posted by Sue Ann
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