Built at a cost of $24,200,000 (not adjusted for inflation), the Williamsburg Bridge in New York, then known as the East River Bridge, opened on December 19, 1903. As the longest suspension bridge span in the world, it connected Brooklyn's Williamsburg neighbourhood and Manhattan's Lower East Side. Though this title would be swept away in subsequent decades, this impressive piece of infrastructure remains just as much of a landmark as it was over 110 years ago.

View of the East River Bridge from Brooklyn, 1901-1906, image via Wikimedia Commons

In the century since the photo was taken, development and gentrification have turned Williamsburg's post-industrial waterfront into a bohemian enclave that continues to attract artists from around the world. The bridge remains an iconic image of Williamsburg to this day, as well an important link between Brooklyn and Manhattan, serving over 100,000 motorists on the average weekday.

Modern view of the Williamsburg Bridge from a similar angle in Brooklyn, 2008, image via Wikimedia Commons

We will be back next week for another look at the past. In the meantime, you can voice your opinion about today's post by leaving a comment in the space provided at the bottom of this page.