Women’s History Month Spotlight: Legacy of Emily Warren Roebling

The Brooklyn Bridge, a symbol of architectural excellence, spans the East River, connecting the vibrant boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn. Beyond its iconic presence, the construction of this masterpiece has a surprising connection to our firm. The roots of the Princeton Hydro headquarters building stretch back to the late 1800s; the first occupants of the building played a pivotal role in manufacturing and supplying the sturdy steel cables that formed the bridge’s suspension system, an integral part of its enduring strength. Exploring the building’s rich past, we discover a remarkable link to a legendary figure, bridging our current aspirations with the legacy of a woman who left an enduring mark on history.

The Roebling Complex

The John A. Roebling’s Sons Company was a wire rope manufacturing facility in Saxonburg, Pennsylvania founded in 1841. In 1848, the company relocated to Trenton, NJ along the Delaware & Raritan Canal and built a 25-acre complex of industrial buildings and facilities for wire rope manufacturing. This included the Carpenter’s Shop (Building 110), the building that is now home to the Princeton Hydro’s headquarters office, which manufactured specialty wooden products for the operation. The company quickly established itself as a notable employer in the city.

The company gained international recognition for its expertise in wire, wire rope manufacturing, and bridge building. Additionally, their products were extensively utilized in various industries, commercial sectors, and consumer goods. Over 112 years, four generations of the Roebling family successfully managed the business, a remarkable and uncommon accomplishment in the corporate world.

John A. Roebling, the company’s founder, was renowned for inventing the wire rope, which revolutionized the way we build bridges. The wire rope (or steel cable) was innovative as it replaced the bulkier and weaker hemp fiber rope that was used to haul canal boats. He also developed a technique for spinning cables in place rather than constructing pre-fabricated cables that required maintenance before actually being used. This enabled him to become the world’s foremost builder of suspension bridges in the 19th century, and his bridges spanned major rivers despite skeptics who believed such feats were impossible.

Building the Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge construction started with an accident when the chief designer, John A. Roebling, had his foot injured by a ferry. He died of tetanus, and his son, Washington A. Roebling, who worked with his father on the Roebling Suspension Bridge over the Ohio River at Cincinnati and on the design of the Brooklyn Bridge, took over the project. Three years into construction of the longest suspension bridge in the world (at that time), Washington was incapacitated by “caisson disease.” His wife, Emily Warren Roebling, took over and guided the completion of the bridge, which was one of the 19th century’s most impressive architectural achievements. In honor of Women’s History Month, we are spotlighting Emily Warren Roebling, whose groundbreaking contributions serve as an inspiring testament to the capabilities and achievements of women in history.

While Washington is widely credited for completing the Brooklyn Bridge in 1883, it’s essential to equally acknowledge Emily’s significant contributions. Her remarkable leadership, engineering acumen, and tireless dedication were pivotal in navigating the complexities of the Brooklyn Bridge’s construction, ensuring its successful completion and solidifying her legacy as an engineering pioneer.

In his book “The Great Bridge,” historian David McCullough describes Emily’s multifaceted role as both a nurse and private secretary to her husband, taking over his correspondence and record-keeping. Additionally, she actively engaged in the bridge’s construction, reviewing plans, visiting the site, and interacting with contractors and bridge officials. McCullough aptly summarized her contributions, stating that she served as “his eyes, his legs, his good right arm.”

However, Emily’s dedicated support also led to false rumors that her husband, Washington, had lost his mental faculties. Despite these challenges, Emily successfully fought to prevent Washington’s removal as chief engineer nearing the bridge’s completion. Washington, in turn, acknowledged his wife’s invaluable contributions to the project. He later expressed his gratitude, acknowledging her as a “strong tower” and a wise counselor who supported him during difficult times.

Beyond the Brooklyn Bridge

Emily Warren Roebling’s advocacy extended beyond her work on the Brooklyn Bridge with her husband.  A pioneering figure of the early 20th century, Emily championed women’s equality in education, ownership rights, legal matters, and philanthropic endeavors. She actively participated in women’s clubs, contributed to the World’s Columbian Exposition, and was nominated for the presidency of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Her written papers addressed crucial topics such as philanthropy, settlement houses, and the importance of legal education for women. Her legacy continues to inspire, as a new generation of professional women, including lawyers and engineers, joined the suffrage movement after her demise in 1903. It is speculated that had she lived longer, she would have been a prominent leader in the women’s suffrage movement. While her direct contributions remain unknown, the sight of female engineers proudly asserting their rights during rallies in academic attire would likely have brought a smile to her face. Emily’s advocacy serves as a testament to the enduring power of equality, as subsequent generations of professional women carried her vision forward.

In our dynamic business landscape, we find inspiration in the tale of an extraordinary woman whose vision and tenacity shaped history. Her legacy reminds us that genuine success goes beyond material gains. It lies in the positive influence we leave on the world. Let us all strive to leave a lasting mark that echoes the timeless principles of integrity, resilience, and inclusivity.

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