John Roebling
Born Jun 12 1806 - Died Jul 22 1869

Anchoring Suspension-Chains for Bridges
Suspension Bridge
Patent Number(s) 4,710

Inducted 2004

In 1841, John Roebling invented a wire rope in order to improve upon the bulkier and weaker hemp fiber rope being used to haul canal boats along the Allegheny Portage Railroad between the eastern and western sections of the Pennsylvania Canal. Roebling also developed a technique for spinning cables in place rather than constructing pre fabricated cables that required maintenance before actually being used.

Invention Impact

In 1844-45, Roebling built his first structure using his invention, a wooden canal aqueduct across the Allegheny River. In 1845 46, he built his first suspension bridge to carry a highway across the Monongahela River. He cemented his reputation as the premier builder of suspension bridges in the U.S. with the construction of a railroad suspension bridge at Niagara Falls (1851 55). Roebling was contracted as chief engineer for construction of the Brooklyn Bridge, the project with which he is most popularly associated. However, as work was about to begin, he suffered an accident that led to his death. Construction of the bridge was completed under the supervision of his son, Washington.

Inventor Bio

Roebling was born in Muhlhausen, Germany. He studied civil engineering at the Royal Polytechnic Institute in Berlin. He immigrated to the United States in 1830 and became a citizen in 1837.