When it comes to these two very historical bridges you may think they are so very similar. Although I have been on both bridges, there is a key difference that you may not know if you haven’t done any research about them. Looking at both bridges you think of historical landscapes that tourist may come and see if they are in the area. They are both larger in person than you’d expect it to be. But to get down into it one may say they would rather travel on the Brooklyn Bridge over the Golden Gate because there is no toll fee to travel on it. Aside from the toll fee on the Golden Gate there are many other differences. After a little bit of researching the Golden Gate is made of pure metal, whereas the Brooklyn Bridge is made of iron and steel, both bridges are suspension bridges as well. The Brooklyn Bridge has cables suspended all going towards the middle of the bridge looking like a spider web. The Golden Gate has cables going straight up and down. It seems as if people frame these bridges in photos as “breathtaking”. Most pictures that you see online all have a nice sunset, or has the city and large buildings behind it. The pictures are very catching to the eye and make it seem very real.
As we know the Brooklyn Bridge is older. I you look at the bridge it looks like there is a bigger base in the middle of the bridge. Again like I said with the cables all are connected to the middle it seems. Now the Golden Gate looks thinner, not as big of base. One may say that building the Brooklyn Bridge was a new project for the contract workers that they have never worked with. Maybe the Brooklyn Bridge has a bigger base because of the lack of knowledge of how sturdy it would be. The Golden Gate seems like it has less of a base, though it is new than the Brooklyn would they have that knowledge? Could the base just add to the esthetics?
Another hypothesis I have about the different makeup of the bridges is due to the likelihood of earthquakes. As we know California has a history with some large earthquakes, New York on the other hand has had some but not on the same scale as California. Now does the construction differ because the Golden Gate is more prone to an earthquake?
Lastly, the fact that both cities haven’t made any major changes to the bridges say that they are proud of their cities history. Both cities believe that they have the most famous most beautiful bridge in the United States. With high traffic volumes on both bridges you can say it has revolutionized both cities. They are both historical cities with monumental landmarks which both happen to be bridges.
Kyle,
That is amazing that you have been able to experience both bridges in person. Which did you find more interesting? After looking at photos I prefer the Brooklyn Bridge because of its esthetics and it was built in the 1883. If you were able to drive over them, did you find it scary or overwhelming?
You brought up a good point in saying that the Brooklyn bridge cables resemble a spider web but the Golden Gate bridge cables are more up and down. I didn’t even pick up on that when I was looking at photos. This is so interesting and I also wonder if it has something to do with stability or if it was simply esthetics?
Personally I like the Golden Gate better, little bias because I lived in California. Although both bridges seemed bigger and more real if you get what I mean. Also driving on both wasn’t scary by any means. Both sites are very neat and a cool place to go.
I totally agree with you about the lack of the toll on the Brooklyn Bridge being something to draw people, however I feel like many tourists would like to get out and walk on both bridges so the toll might not effect everyone!
I’ve been to the Golden Gate Bridge and it is gorgeous, I would love to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge also!
Talking on the toll aspect of the bridges, we could look at who uses it to see why. For example the toll is on a large tourist attraction where those who live there don’t take the bridge since it has no benefit of avoiding traffic. Whereas the Brooklyn Bridge is used mostly for a commuting resulting in there being a major uproar if there would be. Just my thoughts tell me what you guys think of it.
I think it is awesome that you have been to both bridges! It is interesting to me how you can see a picture of something and have an idea in your mind of what it will look like but when you actually get to see it in person it is almost larger than life.
I also did quit a bit of research and found out about the cables being different and the materials that were used. Very interesting.
Can’t wait for the day I can see them in person!