The impossible bridge was built by strength of will

Editor's Note: This is the last article Robert Bunn will write for Business Today. Robert began his monthly column, "Consultant's Corner," in 1995. Business Today was expanding and we were looking for a writer with a solid background in business management consultations. Robert came aboard and, over the years, wrote more than 60 well-received, informative articles on his area of expertise. Business Today appreciates his long-time dedication to the publication.

The Brooklyn Bridge is truly a miracle of man's creation. In 1893 an engineer named John Roebling was inspired to build a bridge spanning the river connecting Manhattan Island to Brooklyn. But bridge experts worldwide said such a project was virtually impossible.

Undeterred, Roebling and his engineer son Washington were convinced that the bridge could be built. Together they developed the concepts of how it could be accomplished and how each obstacle could be overcome. With excitement and inspiration they hired their crew and began to build their dream bridge.

But during its construction, the Brooklyn Bridge was plagued with many problems, including corrupt politicians and cutthroat competitors. And before construction even began, John Roebling died from tetanus and his son Washington suffered permanent brain damage, unable to talk or walk.

Everyone felt that the project was doomed since these two men were the only ones who knew how the bridge could be built. But Washington Roebling simply wouldn't give up, even with a crippling illness called caisson's disease, known today as "the bends."

Bedridden but determined to stay in charge, Roebling used a telescope to keep watch over the bridge's progress. And during this period even more problems developed. An unexpected blast wrecked one caisson, a fire seriously damaged another, and a cable snapped from its anchorage and crashed into the river.

But through all these difficulties Washington's mind was as sharp as ever, even though he couldn't walk or talk. He was determined to complete the bridge. As he lay in his hospital bed he developed a code for communication. All he could move was one finger so he touched the arm of his wife with that finger, tapping out the code to communicate instructions to the engineers building the bridge.

For 13 years, Washington tapped out his instructions with his finger until the spectacular Brooklyn Bridge was finally completed. Washington Roebling had successfully guided the completion of one of the most famous bridges in the world without ever leaving his apartment.

When finished in 1883 the Brooklyn Bridge was a marvel of many brilliant firsts. It was the first suspension bridge to use steel for its cable wire. It was the first bridge to use explosives in a dangerous underwater device called a caisson. At the time it was built, the 3,460-foot Brooklyn Bridge was also crowned the longest suspension bridge in the world.

It is both inspiring and refreshing to read this magnificent story of courage, perseverance, creative architecture and advanced engineering. And especially so when we compare this outstanding feat to the building of the World Trade Center also located in New York City. This comparison is even more credible with the tragic destruction and aftermath of Sept. 11, 2001 -- events that mirror like qualities of bravery, dedication, and belief in a worthy cause.

Robert Bunn is a management consultant in Cape Girardeau. (335-3351 or rbunn@igateway.net)