Lexiphane

Wed, 24 Jan 2007 15:38:45 -0500

I've heard that as well Toby, but I think the freezing may have been more coincidental at a time when popular support for building a bridge was extremely high. The 1867 ice bridge was only the third time that had happend in 15 years, with no reported memory of an occurence befor then. The 1867 blockage also only lasted a few hours and was over by 12pm as the tides and the sun took their toll. Additionally, the river was completely clear north of Fulton St. and no appreciable ferry delays resulted, as ferries simply diverted to the Catharine slip a few blocks north. The ice bridge was probably symbolic of a need for an actual bridge, but I doubt it was a significant contributing factor leading to the Brooklyn Bridge's construction.

Toby

Wed, 24 Jan 2007 13:36:53 -0500

The East River freezing over preventing ferry travel from Brooklyn to Manhattan was one of the reasons the Brooklyn Bridge was built.

sa

Wed, 24 Jan 2007 13:17:19 -0500

finally, time to go jogging

Gothamist: Cold Days Ahead

Lexiphane

Toby

sa