HIST 100: Engineering The Past

01.2 Bridges

by 1 Comment

The Brooklyn Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge are two of the most iconic bridges in the United States. They both located on opposite sides of the country from each. These two bridges share quite a few similarities, but they are also very different. They are both cable suspension bridges with overall design very similar. Both of these bridges were built during two different time periods so there is going to be some major differences.

The Brooklyn Bridge was built in the late 1800’s and it kind of give you the attitude of the gothic era. The bricks and structures used are just a dark in color. The arch ways are what really set it apart from different bridges. They are large opening in which vehicles travel through but the design and texture of the arch ways is what set it apart from other bridges. When you picture the bridge across the Hudson River, those brick arch ways is always the image that sticks in my head. I believe those arch ways is what makes the bridge so iconic and standout.

The Golden Gate Bridge was built in the 1930’s which about 40 years later from when the Brooklyn Bridge was built. A lot had changed within those years. Technology advanced largely and structural designs were completely different. Looking at the Golden Gate Bridge I just see how extravagant it truly is. I believe when the architect designed this bridge they wanted it to be tall bright and iconic. That is exactly what this bridge is. When you think of San Francisco you think of the Bridge. One of the things that sets the Golden Gate Bridge apart in my mind is the color. Its a bright redish orange that you can see for miles. The beams that hold the bridge are a lot taller than those of the Brooklyn Bridge. I feel as though they wanted them to be extremely tall and show our architecture abilities. In the photo I was looking at, it feels as though the photographer wanted to capture the beautiful color of the bridge and just pure imagine of the bridge itself.

They have remodeled both bridges numerous times, but not once have they ever changed the overall appearance. These bridges are so iconic to their cities that they are something you just can’t alter. They are the hope and symbol of the cities. I strongly believe both of these cities value their history and value their iconic symbols that have helped shape their cities.

My Lens: Small town kid

by 2 Comments

I have grown up in a very small rural town south of Nampa, along the snake river. It’s called Melba, ID. Living here has definitely influenced me to be a hard working person. To be where you want to be in life requires hard work. I still like to watch the news every night just to keep informed with everything going in the world. Also, I learn about alot of news on my phone as well.

I spend a lot of my time outdoors. When it’s winter time you can usually find my on the top of a mountain riding my snowmobile. I am definitely a snowmobile junky every moment I have time I will head up riding. When it’s summertime I will either be playing baseball or out fishing. Biggest thing I have learned about being outdoors is just to stop and slow down. There’s so much beauty we are surrounded by but we are always in such a hurry to get no where. Being on top of a mountain in the winter staring down on the valleys is just peaceful and humbling.

One of the biggest perspectives that has changed for me as I have grown up is just that nothing is ever given to you. You have to work and create a life for yourself. If you want to go out and experience things you have to do it yourself. I know I have been blessed to be able to work, go to school, and still pay for my toys to go out and play. One of the biggest things that changed my perspective is when I was going to school in Oregon playing baseball. Just meeting kids from different parts of the country, and how they have grown up compared to me. I have been spoiled to experience the little things in life and recognize them for what they are. My dad has probably played the biggest role on who I am today. My dad always taught me how to work hard and you will always be rewarded. It is not what you can take from this world, but what you can give back.