Among the industrial-age technological monuments, Brooklyn Bridge has few equals in terms of innovation and impact. When built, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world, and it employed techniques and materials that influenced bridge construction ever since.

If it is ever inscribed on the WH list, Brooklyn Bridge for me will occupy a fairly unequalled position of a hometown site that I have visited uncounted times. My college alma mater is located at the foot of the bridge in the Lower Manhattan. In the decades of living in or around New York City, I have walked or driven by the bridge thousands of times, driven over it hundreds of times, and walked across it at least a dozen times.

Walking across Brooklyn Bridge is obviously the best way to get acquainted with it. If you walk towards Manhattan, you are also looking at the incredible New York City skyline beyond its stone towers. The landings at the towers offer informative plaques on the history of the bridge construction and use.

You can also enjoy gazing at the bridge from either side of the river, Brooklyn Bridge Park or South Street Seaport Pier 17.