The Brooklyn Bridge's 125th Birthday!

One of America's most beloved landmarks, the Brooklyn Bridge, celebrates its 125th birthday this weekend. On the day of its official opening, May 24, 1883, President Chester A. Arthur presided over massive celebrations and more than 150,000 people walked across the engineering marvel of its age.

The bridge took 14 years to build, cost the life of its designer and nearly took the life of his son. It was a wonder of technology and a monument to human persistence.

The story of its construction is one of the great tales of the 19th century, and historic images of the Great East River Bridge under construction still inspire awe.

The city of New York will host large celebrations for the bridge this weekend. After 125 years, it's still a beautiful structure, and one that many thousands of commuters rely on every single day.

Happy Birthday, Brooklyn Bridge!

Image: Fireworks at Brooklyn Bridge, May 24, 1883, courtesy Library of Congress