Emily Roebling, American Field Engineer

Emily Roebling, American Field Engineer

Emily Warren Roebling (September 23, 1843 - February 28, 1903) is known for her contribution to the completion of the Brooklyn Bridge. In 1865, Emily married Washington Roebling, the son of Brooklyn Bridge designer John Roebling. The newlyweds went to Europe to study the use of caissons for the bridge. His father died of tetanus, and Washington took charge of the Brooklyn Bridge's construction, but soon developed caisson disease, which left him bed-ridden. It was at this point that Emily stepped in as the "first woman field engineer". She developed an extensive knowledge of strength of materials, stress analysis, cable construction, and calculating catenary curves through Washington's teachings. She took over much of the chief engineer's duties, including day-to-day supervision and project management. She dealt with politicians, competing engineers, and all those associated with the work on the bridge. The Brooklyn Bridge was completed in 1883. In advance of the official opening, carrying a rooster as a sign of victory, Emily Roebling was the first to cross the bridge by carriage. She travelled widely, continued her education and received a law degree from NYU. She died in 1903 and the age of 59.

Album / Science Source / New York Public Library

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