When Emily Warren meets Captain Washington Wroebling through her brother, the two hit it off immediately, and the two soon marry. Visions of a happy home life are interrupted though, when Wash becomes the lead engineer on his father’s latest project – building the Brooklyn Bridge. Wash spends long hours on the worksite, accompanying his men down in the caisson as they dig deeper for the bridge footings. Soon enough, many of the men begin to suffer with “caisson disease”, and Wash is no exception. More and more, Wash is unable to go to the worksite, and instead sends Emily in his place. Little by little, with no education in math, engineering or science, Emily begins taking over the project – much to the chagrin of the men in charge.
This is a fascinating look at the history of the building of the Brooklyn Bridge, and the woman who made it possible for the project to be completed. Great for a book club discussion! Need some copies for your book club? We have a kit!
Posted in: Based on a true event, Historical Fiction