Construction of the Brooklyn Bridge began on January 2, 1870. The first work entailed the construction of two caissons, upon which the suspension towers would be built. ... Compressed air was pumped into the caisson, and workers entered the space to dig the sediment until it sank to the bedrock.

Why did they build the Brooklyn Bridge?

The bridge was built to provide for vehicular and pedestrian traffic between Manhattan and Brooklyn. Prior to its construction, people had to take a ferry from Brooklyn to Manhattan which was incredibly time consuming.

How many bodies are in the Brooklyn Bridge?

“No official figure exists for the number of men killed, but estimates range from 20 to over 30. Dozens more suffered debilitating injuries, including Roebling's son Washington, who became bedridden with the bends after taking over as chief engineer from his father.