The Engineering Fever of 1876

This appears to be an age of stupendous enterprise in the way of bridge building. No matter is one work of this kind completed than we have multiplied projects for others, each more difficult and daring than its predecessor. The bridge now in process of construction between New York and Brooklyn is the most formidable work of the kind yet undertaken. Since the inception of this enterprise numerous others have been started or suggested in various parts of the country. It is now contemplated to build a bridge to connect New York with its suburban population on the western shore of Long Island, a few miles above that which will span the East River from the City Hall Park. The longest iron bridge in the United States is the St. Charles bridge over the Missouri river, which, with its seven spans and opposite river approaches, is 6,350 feet in length. The greatest engineering difficulty which had to be encountered in planning this structure was the strength required for its central piers, the caissons for constructing which had to be carried down from 60 to 70 feet through water, quicksand, large boulders and heavy embedded driftwood. All these difficulties have been overcome at nearly double the estimated cost, and the bridge now stands as one of the proudest monuments of successful American engineering.