No one can compute the loss of time ensuing daily from delays at the ferries to the multitudes crossing the stream. And time is not only money -- it is opportunity. Brooklyn becomes available, henceforth, as a place of residence to thousands, to whom the ability to reach their places of business without interruption from fog and ice is of paramount importance.

—Opening Ceremonies of the

New York and Brooklyn Bridge,

Seth Low

Use the drop-down menus to identify which details from the text show the difficulties people faced in trying to get between the two boroughs before the bridge was built.

Brooklyn becomes available

delays at the ferries

time is opportunity

interruption from fog and ice