The Great East River Bridge 1862

This print of the Great East River Bridge – now known as the Brooklyn Bridge – was produced by Currier and Ives. The firm was known for their affordable, mass-produced lithographs, images made using a flat stone or metal plate. Here, the lithographic process allows for the detailed depiction of the bridge's architecture, including the impressive stonework of the towers, the intricate network of cables, and the busy waterway it spans. The bridge symbolizes progress and connection, achieved through industrial materials like steel and stone, but also the labor of countless workers. Note how the print captures the bustling activity of the port, filled with steamships and sailing vessels, reflecting New York's status as a major hub of commerce and immigration. The lithograph itself was part of that same commercial ecosystem, bringing images of modernity into homes across the country. Considering the materials, the making, and the context of the Great East River Bridge print allows us to appreciate it not just as a work of art, but as a window into a transformative era in American history.