The Brooklyn Bridge in New York City turns 125 this weekend. The bridge is a much-loved landmark today, but its beginnings were shrouded with tragedy. Designer John A. Roebling died from a work-related injury and never saw Brooklyn Bridge completed. When Brooklyn Bridge finally opened, a crush of crowds came to view the engineering feat. Fears that Brooklyn Bridge would collapse stirred a panicked stampede. A dozen people died and many others were injured.

This photo of Brooklyn Bridge was taken before the 2001 terrorist attacks that destroyed the World Trade Center Twin Towers (shown in background).

• About the Brooklyn Bridge
• Celebrating an Engineering Marvel, Born in Tragedy (New York Times)

^{Photo © VisionsofAmerica/Joe Sohm, Getty}