When the Brooklyn Bridge opened to the public on May 24, 1883, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world and already being referred to as one of the seven architectural wonders of the world. Nonetheless, despite being built of 80 percent stone and 20 percent steel, and based on sound engineering principals, some people were still skeptical that the design would hold up.
Skeptical or not, people were drawn to the span in droves for the experience of walking across. Whereas the promenade was made to hold 15,000 persons at a time, 20,000 people were strolling the bridge at numerous points during the first week. On the day after it opened, 140,398 people crossed the bridge. Two days later, on a Sunday, 163,584 made the trip. Then, less than a week after the bridge opened, on Decoration Day, May 30, 1883, tragedy struck.
A woman nearing the New York terminus tripped and fell down a flight of stairs. A policeman went immediately to her aid and helped her out of the way, however, another woman inexplicably screamed. Panic seized the crowds of people and there was a rush for the exit stairs. One eye witness, Kate Ottinger, said that people cried out that the Bridge was sinking. Pickpockets, ready to take advantage of the crowd, may have fanned the flames by shouting similar false warnings. With people already nervous, a virtual stampede resulted in a crush on the stairs that killed twelve people and injured many more.
Almost a year later on May 17, 1884, those who still questioned the safety of the bridge, were given further assurances.
PT Barnum of the Barnum and Bailey Circus had 21 elephants, seven camels, and ten dromedaries march across the bridge. The famous white elephant, Jumbo, brought up the rear. No tolls were collected.
Since elephants were thought to be able to detect structural problems, the safe and uneventful passage further calmed the populace. Of course, this escapade also provided excellent publicity for PT Barnum’s circus, which opened a few days later.
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