Completed in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge is a national historic landmark and an icon of New York. It is situated perfectly behind the tall skyscrapers of New York City, creating an amazing view. It connects Manhattan to Brooklyn and crosses the East River. John A. Roebling originally planned the Brooklyn Bridge but died shortly before construction began. His son, Washington Roebling, continued his work, but he himself was struck with disease and confined to an apartment overlooking the construction site. Emily Roebling, his wife, gave his instructions to the workers and was practically chief engineer until the bridge was completed. It was the biggest of its kind back then and was an engineering feat of the 19th century. P.T Barnum famously led a group of circus animals, including a herd of 21 elephants, across the bridge in 1884 to prove that the bridge was stable.