Gowanus in Brooklyn in Kings County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Carroll Street Bridge
New York City Designated Landmark
Photographed By Larry Gertner, August 24, 2019
1. Carroll Street Bridge Marker
The Carroll Street Bridge over the Gowanus Canal, built in 1888-89, is one of the oldest bridges in New York City and the oldest known extant American bridge of the “retractile” type. This rare and unusual retractable bridge functions by rolling back horizontally on wheels set on steel rails, thus providing clear passage through the canal channel. The Carroll Street Bridge was designed by engineers of the Brooklyn Department of City Works; the superstructure was constructed by the New Jersey Steel & Iron Company, a subsidiary of the prominent firm of Cooper, Hewitt & Company.
New York Landmarks Preservation Foundation
1989
Erected 1989 by New York Landmarks Preservation Foundation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture. A significant historical year for this entry is 1889.
Location. 40° 40.699′ N, 73° 59.376′ W. Marker is in Brooklyn, New York, in Kings County. It is in Gowanus. Marker is on Carroll Street east of Bond Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Brooklyn NY 11231, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Soldiers and Sailors World War I Monument (approx. 0.4 miles away); Louis Valentine Jr. Ballfield / Carroll Park (approx. 0.4 miles away); Maryland Heroes
this page online
Regarding Carroll Street Bridge. The bridge is listed in the "AIA (American Institute of Architects) Guide to New York City, Fifth Edition".
Also see . . . Carroll Street Bridge. Wikipedia entry. (Submitted on March 5, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed By Larry Gertner, August 24, 2019
2. Carroll Street Bridge
The plaque is on the wall of the control house. The smaller blue sign has the phone numbers to request a bridge opening - no bridgekeeper is on site. Supposedly, one can be there within two hours.
Photographed By Larry Gertner, August 24, 2019
3. Carroll Street Bridge
Looking west towards Bond Street.
Photographed By Larry Gertner, August 24, 2019
4. Carroll Street Bridge
The cables pull the bridge along the rails, diagonally across the canal, into this area.
Photographed By Larry Gertner, August 24, 2019
5. Carroll Street Bridge
Looking east, showing the wooden roadwork and the bridge's diagonal outline.
Photographed By Larry Gertner, August 24, 2019
6. Carroll Street Bridge
A whimsical leftover from horse-and-buggy days.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 5, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 204 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on March 5, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.
