Part 1, Chapter 1 Summary and Analysis

"The Plan" sketches the monumental structure John A. Roebling proposes to build across the East River between Manhattan and Brooklyn, suggests the promises it holds these communities, and hints at the political machinations that will accompany its building. The belief in human progress and technology that marks America around 1870, fills the pages.

In February of 1869, enigmatic John Augustus Roebling, bridge building's acknowledged giant, convinces seven eminent engineers to sanction plans for the crowning work of his career. Roebling wants to end public criticism and rumors and get to work. The consultants include his eldest son, Col. Washington Roebling, Horatio Allen, Col. Julius Adams, and William Jarvis McAlpine, the President of the American Society of Civil Engineers. Also included are Benjamin Henry Latrobe, John J. Serrell, J Dutton Steele, and James Pugh Kirkwood.

Talk about connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn goes...