Emily Warren met Washington Roebling at a dance and when they got married in 1865, neither knew that together they would make history. And not just history for the state of New York, but they made world history by together created and building the suspension bridge that out-stretched any other at that time, by double. Washington took over the construction of the building after his father suffered an accident three days into it, his legs were crushed and he suffered and infection from which he soon died. Washington had been working previously as his assistant . He was only 32 years old at the time. And this was the most prestigious, innovative and anticipated project for the country. He designed cages that would allow workers to go underwater to work on the construction. The were airtight and pressurized. Washington worked in the ‘caissons’ as well. Most men, including Washington soon were experiencing the ‘bends’ a condition that is caused by the pressure changes and either kills them or leaves those affected by it incapacitated. Washington became an invalid.
This is when Emily took over the building of the bridge. She met with trustees at the five star hotels of New York, she spoke with engineers, and she consulted with her husband and interpreted and conveyed his plans and ideas. She dealt with the politicians, and the engineers. She did this for the eleven years it took to complete the bridge. In the late 1,800′s it was a rarity for a woman to be so bold, so equal. And here she was, building the Brooklyn Bridge. She supported and defending her husband when the trustees wanted to remove him of the title of chief engineer. And although she considered him in charge, at the ceremony for the opening of the bridge, and to this day, many consider her to be the chief engineer. Once the bridge was completed, Emily attained a law degree and focused on the advancement and the protection of womens rights.
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