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Story
March 29, 1848
Rutland County Herald
Rutland, Rutland County, Vermont
What is this article about?
Mr. Ellet, the engineer constructing the Niagara Falls suspension bridge, and his wife make the first crossing in a wire-suspended carriage, 50 feet above the river, thrilling spectators and proving the bridge's feasibility.
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THE GREAT SUSPENSION BRIDGE AT THE FALLS OF NIAGARA.
The following narrative of the first crossing of this bridge appeared from the British American.
The crossing of the bridge by Mr. Ellet and his wife witnessed by all who saw the awful and sublime spectacle of the carriage hanging in the air over the abyss 1000 feet above the roaring torrent below.
Mrs. Ellet, the lady of the distinguished Engineer who has the contract for the construction of the bridge, accompanied her husband.
It was understood that Mrs. Ellet would not cross but at the last moment she was prevailed upon to do so.
Having to launch her parasol she had to behold the grandest scene ever witnessed. When we take into consideration the position of the bridge in view of the Great Fall and the surrounding theater.
The situation of the car was about 50 feet above the mad rushing of the river. The wire cable was an inch in diameter, and that it appeared but a thread in every view.
At 2 o'clock Mr. Ellet took his seat in the car. Being among the spectators in close proximity to the rope, a breathless anxiety filled every heart, and while the car moved slowly over our heads, our fears were allayed by the certainty of safety, and a shout of joy broke forth, which re-echoed from the opposite side.
On arrival at the stand, three warm hearted cheers cold as the day was, awaited the intrepid and enterprising gentleman; and on his returning, three hearty cheers and one more for the lady's determination to accompany her husband was given.
The crowd remained until Mr. Ellet's safe return.
Truly we live in a wonderful age-to see a gentleman in a carriage floating through the air, 200 feet above the waters on wires which are used in electricity.
When we reflect upon it, our imagination is raised, that the mind regulated by the experience of past days, is lost in astonishment. It was indeed a proud spectacle for all, but especially for those who promoted and have taken an interest in the construction of the bridge.
All surmises are put to flight as to the practicability of it by this day's exhibition.
The work is progressing with great rapidity, and no doubt is entertained of its proving highly profitable to those who have had the good fortune to invest their funds in the splendid undertaking.
It is the first attempt of the kind, on the outlet of this inland seas to the Atlantic Ocean, and Mr. Ellet must feel gratification and commendable pride, that he is the first man that ever crossed in a carriage through the air, on wire, from one empire to another than by it is hoped, leading to a happy, prosperous generous and reciprocal union a firm chain of friendship between mother and daughter.
God bless the President of the United States and God save the Queen.
The following narrative of the first crossing of this bridge appeared from the British American.
The crossing of the bridge by Mr. Ellet and his wife witnessed by all who saw the awful and sublime spectacle of the carriage hanging in the air over the abyss 1000 feet above the roaring torrent below.
Mrs. Ellet, the lady of the distinguished Engineer who has the contract for the construction of the bridge, accompanied her husband.
It was understood that Mrs. Ellet would not cross but at the last moment she was prevailed upon to do so.
Having to launch her parasol she had to behold the grandest scene ever witnessed. When we take into consideration the position of the bridge in view of the Great Fall and the surrounding theater.
The situation of the car was about 50 feet above the mad rushing of the river. The wire cable was an inch in diameter, and that it appeared but a thread in every view.
At 2 o'clock Mr. Ellet took his seat in the car. Being among the spectators in close proximity to the rope, a breathless anxiety filled every heart, and while the car moved slowly over our heads, our fears were allayed by the certainty of safety, and a shout of joy broke forth, which re-echoed from the opposite side.
On arrival at the stand, three warm hearted cheers cold as the day was, awaited the intrepid and enterprising gentleman; and on his returning, three hearty cheers and one more for the lady's determination to accompany her husband was given.
The crowd remained until Mr. Ellet's safe return.
Truly we live in a wonderful age-to see a gentleman in a carriage floating through the air, 200 feet above the waters on wires which are used in electricity.
When we reflect upon it, our imagination is raised, that the mind regulated by the experience of past days, is lost in astonishment. It was indeed a proud spectacle for all, but especially for those who promoted and have taken an interest in the construction of the bridge.
All surmises are put to flight as to the practicability of it by this day's exhibition.
The work is progressing with great rapidity, and no doubt is entertained of its proving highly profitable to those who have had the good fortune to invest their funds in the splendid undertaking.
It is the first attempt of the kind, on the outlet of this inland seas to the Atlantic Ocean, and Mr. Ellet must feel gratification and commendable pride, that he is the first man that ever crossed in a carriage through the air, on wire, from one empire to another than by it is hoped, leading to a happy, prosperous generous and reciprocal union a firm chain of friendship between mother and daughter.
God bless the President of the United States and God save the Queen.
What sub-type of article is it?
Historical Event
Adventure
Personal Triumph
What themes does it cover?
Bravery Heroism
Triumph
What keywords are associated?
Niagara Falls
Suspension Bridge
First Crossing
Wire Carriage
Engineering Feat
What entities or persons were involved?
Mr. Ellet
Mrs. Ellet
Where did it happen?
Falls Of Niagara
Story Details
Key Persons
Mr. Ellet
Mrs. Ellet
Location
Falls Of Niagara
Story Details
Mr. Ellet and his wife cross the unfinished suspension bridge at Niagara Falls in a wire-suspended carriage, the first such crossing, watched by anxious spectators who cheer their safe passage, proving the bridge's practicability.