The Bridge Builders: Spanning America's Rivers

This compelling episode of The Cavalcade of America traces the evolution of American bridge building, focusing on the remarkable contributions of engineer John A. Roebling and his son Washington. Beginning in 1841 with a frustrated traveler unable to cross the ice-choked Hudson River, the story follows Roebling's revolutionary invention of wire cable and its transformative impact on bridge construction. The drama chronicles Roebling's rise from creating the first wire cable factory in America to designing increasingly ambitious suspension bridges. The narrative reaches its climax with the construction of his masterpiece, the Brooklyn Bridge. After a tragic accident claims the elder Roebling's life, his son Washington continues the work despite developing "the bends" from working in the bridge's caissons, ultimately supervising construction from his home using a telescope. The episode concludes by connecting this pioneering spirit to modern achievements like the George Washington Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge, highlighting how American engineering excellence continues to inspire the world. Originally Aired: February 19, 1936 Keywords: "Cavalcade of America bridge builders," "John Roebling engineer," "Brooklyn Bridge construction," "American engineering history," "DuPont chemistry innovations," "suspension bridge development," "1930s radio drama history" Sponsor: DuPont Chemical Company Notable Elements: Combines historical drama with educational content about engineering and chemistry, characteristic of DuPont's dedication to promoting scientific achievement. The episode effectively weaves together multiple time periods to show the progression of American bridge building, while also highlighting DuPont's role in developing materials vital to modern construction. Additional Context: The program includes information about DuPont's Zerone antifreeze product and its connection to the chemical processes used in bridge construction, demonstrating how The Cavalcade of America balanced entertainment with corporate messaging about scientific progress.