Brooklyn Bridge drawings and plans
Collection REC0010 - RG 046. Department of Transportation
Brooklyn Bridge drawings and plans
Collection
REC-0010
Collection
REC-0010
The collection contains original plans, drawings, additions and alterations to the Brooklyn Bridge and its immediate surroundings, including the land, properties and roads utilizing the structure. The collection reflects John Roebling’s ideas and dreams for the bridge, as well as his hope that it was to be part of a bigger plan for the cities of Brooklyn and New York.
The drawings create a full picture of the design and implementation of construction for the bridge. Blueprints cover boiler houses, compressors, anchorage, elevation, depth, drainage, piers, cables, masonry from the largest pieces of machinery to the smallest anchors as well as tram lines and toll areas for horse-drawn carriages and pedestrian walkways. Also covered in detail is the railroad and trolley cars to be used. Every part of the bridge is drawn with precise detail, including the surrounding greenery, buildings and approach roads on both the Brooklyn and Manhattan sides. Other parts of the collection include signs and notices to employees of the rules and regulations when working on site, as well as important telephone numbers and time schedules for work. Surveys and studies were undertaken for traffic, weight and use of the bridge are also detailed in plans and lists contained in the collection.
A large number of the drawings are duplicated or drawn on different materials. Many have been annotated, updated or contain written notes by either the designer or draftsman; this is typical for the time and scope of the project.
The drawings create a full picture of the design and implementation of construction for the bridge. Blueprints cover boiler houses, compressors, anchorage, elevation, depth, drainage, piers, cables, masonry from the largest pieces of machinery to the smallest anchors as well as tram lines and toll areas for horse-drawn carriages and pedestrian walkways. Also covered in detail is the railroad and trolley cars to be used. Every part of the bridge is drawn with precise detail, including the surrounding greenery, buildings and approach roads on both the Brooklyn and Manhattan sides. Other parts of the collection include signs and notices to employees of the rules and regulations when working on site, as well as important telephone numbers and time schedules for work. Surveys and studies were undertaken for traffic, weight and use of the bridge are also detailed in plans and lists contained in the collection.
A large number of the drawings are duplicated or drawn on different materials. Many have been annotated, updated or contain written notes by either the designer or draftsman; this is typical for the time and scope of the project.
Extent
159.5 cubic feet (9,865 sheets of drawings and 16 boxes)
Dates
1869-1981
bulk 1869-1950