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No trip to NYC is complete without a stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge! With glimpses of the Chrysler Building, Empire State Building, Freedom Tower, the Statue of Liberty & so much more, this iconic Big Apple landmark boasts views of Manhattan unlike any other.

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But did you know that it wasn’t always called the Brooklyn Bridge? Or that its opening was marred by tragedy? Here are a few lesser known fun facts about this world famous bridge!

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🌉 Bridge construction began thanks to infamously famous & corrupt Tammany Hall kingpin “Boss” Tweed, who funneled $65,000 in bribes to NYC alderman to secure its funding.

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🌉 It took 14 years & $15 million (roughly $417 million today!) to build.

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🌉 At least 20 people died during construction, while countless others suffered debilitating effects of Caisson Disease (the Bends) due to working in sealed chambers filled with compressed air.

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🌉 The bridge was designed by John Roebling, who died before construction even began. His son, Washington, took over as chief engineer, but soon thereafter suffered from the Bends & was confined to bed. Washington's wife, Emily, stepped in from there to see the project through to completion, making it one of the country's first major feminist victories!

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🌉 It was originally referred to as the ‘Great East River Bridge,’ but was named the ‘New York & Brooklyn Bridge’ at its 1883 dedication. When it opened, Brooklyn was not a part of NYC, so until 1898 it connected two different cities! Its name officially changed to the ‘Brooklyn Bridge’ in 1915.

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🌉 A week after opening to the public on May 24, 1883, rumor spread of a pending collapse, which sparked a panicked stampede among pedestrians that led to the trampling death of 12 people.

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🌉 The bridge is approximately 1.1 miles (1.8 km) from end to end.

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🌉 50-foot tall, granite vaults were built into the bridge beneath its anchorages & used as wine cellars!

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🌉 'Brooklyn Bridge Tan' is the official color of the bridge (although this fact has been hotly debated).

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🌉 Today, about 16 pairs of Peregrine falcons call the top of the Brooklyn Bridge home.

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Have you ever walked across the Brooklyn Bridge? If so, tell me in the comments below a favorite memory or highlight of your experience!