Builder of the Brooklyn Bridge:  Washington August Roebling, the Son Part 3

The New York caisson proved even more dangerous. On May 1872 Roebling ordered the digging to stop at a depth of 78 feet 6 inches to avoid further loss of life. By this time, Roebling had suffered his second and most disabling attack of the bends. His eyes, muscles and vocal cords were permanently damaged. He remained in pain for the rest of his life and became a recluse. Roebling decided to risk his reputation and career on the decision not to reach to bedrock, which was another 30 feet down.. Since the Brooklyn Bridge has not yet fallen down, apparently he made the right decision. The 13 years it took to build the bridge witnessed the death of only 20 workers, a remarkably low casualty rate for the time.  Thanks to the assistance of  his helpmate, Emily Warren Roebling,

NYC Walks Blog 26 Builder of the Brooklyn Bridge:  Washington August Roebling, the Son Part 3 © 2018 by Dr. Philip Ernest Schoenberg