At first I thought I would succumb, but I had a strong tower to lean upon, my wife, a woman of infinite tact and wisest counsel. – Washington Roebling
You’d be hard pressed to name an engineering feat of the 19th century that was more audacious, courageous, and monumental than the building of the Brooklyn Bridge. It was an engineering miracle of its day, relying on math and materials calculations that had yet to be tested on such a large scale. Preeminent social historian David McCullough chronicles the people, politics and places involved in his 1972 book “The Great Bridge.” 
Construction on the bridge began in 1870. John Roebling conceived of the bridge, and designed it, and was to serve as the chief engineer during construction, but in a freak accident during bridge surveying, he contracted tetanus and died of lockjaw.
His son, Washington, took over for him. Washington was a graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and had worked with his father on other bridge projects so he was the most qualified successor.
Washington was just as brilliant and energetic as his father, however, his health deteriorated badly during the 13-year construction project. He developed complications from decompression sickness (the bends) as a result of managing the construction of the bridge tower foundations that had to be sunk as much as 70 feet below the riverbed.
Washington Roebling was incapacitated for many years during construction, unable to leave his Brooklyn Heights home. He wasn’t able to visit the construction site for months at a time.
Remarkably, and quite capably, his wife Emily stepped in to assist. She became, for all intents and purposes, the interim project manager for the bridge. She would relay drawings and instructions to the men working on the bridge. She would meet with suppliers and bridge board members. She defended Washington when he was criticized for his absence.
As you can tell by the quote at the top, Washington greatly appreciated and admired Emily, and a business partnership of the genders like this at the time was extremely rare. One could make the argument that if it weren’t for the love, support and intelligence of Emily Roebling, this project might have languished miserably, or even failed.
With Valentine’s Day upon us this week, I thought it was an appropriate business – and love story – to share. It’s a good reminder that we’re all propped up in some way by our loved ones, in whatever we do.
You’re probably familiar with the old saw “Behind every great man, there’s a great woman.” I think its about time that was updated to “Beside every great man…”
I certainly appreciate the love and support of the one beside me – my Sarah Jane.
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