1890, NEW YORK, USA :The great East River suspension bridge: connecting the cities of New York and Brooklyn. view from New York, looking south Bird's eye view, showing the complete system of the bridge - the promenade - cable car tracks - and carriage roadway. The great East River suspension bridge, opened the day 24 may 1883 -- Connecting the cities of New York and Brooklyn. Chromolithograph by Currier Ives