The Brooklyn Bridge took fourteen years to build, and the people in Manhattan and Brooklyn all eagerly awaited its completion. Travel between the boroughs of New York City would become so much easier. Some people had faith in the engineering feat. When the bridge was completed, there was a lovely opening celebration. The bridge was such a beautiful creation, and fun to walk across.

However,  some said that the Brooklyn Bridge would not stand, and they waited for its crash into the river.

In order to test this theory, Phineas T. Barnum, circus genius and creator of "The Greatest Show on Earth" came to New York City in 1884. He had 21 elephants parade down Manhattan and then across the bridge.  One mile long, carrying 21 elephants (times seven tons each), the bridge still stood. Everyone enjoyed the circus.

Twenty-One Elephants and Still Standing by April Jones Prince, 2005

I love the cover with the elephants. Unfortunately, it appears that the elephants' tusks have been cut. This is animal cruelty, and the practice should be abhorred. However, I did enjoy walking over the Brooklyn Bridge many times when I lived in Brooklyn.

• April Jones Prince's web site
• Books about the Brooklyn Bridge