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Known for her contribution to the 

completion of the Brooklyn 

Bridge after her husband 

developed caisson disease.

Known for her contribution to 

the completion of 

the Brooklyn Bridge

Childhood : 

Emily was born to Sylvanus and Phebe Warren at Cold Spring, 

New York on September 23, 1843.

She was the second youngest of 12 children.

Emily's interest in pursuing education was supported by her 

older brother Gouverneur K. Warren. The 2 siblings always 

held a close relationship.

Young Age :

During the American Civil War, Emily visited her 

brother, commanding the Fifth army Corps, at 

headquarters. Where she met with Washington 

Roebling son of John Roebling who was a civil 

engineer serving on Gouverneur Warren's staff 

and two were married on January 18, 1865.

Newly wed couple went to Europe to study the use 

of caissons for the bridge. In November 1867, Emily 

gave birth to their only child, John Roebling II. 

Challenges and Opportunities :

On their return from European studies, Washington's father died of 

tetanus, and Washington immediately took charge of the Brooklyn 

Bridge's construction. As he immersed himself in the project, 

Washington developed caisson disease, which affected him so badly that 

he became bed-ridden. To face this challenge Emily stepped in as the 

"first woman field engineer" and took care of project till the 

completion of the Brooklyn Bridge.

She developed an extensive knowledge of strength of material, stress 

analysis, cable construction and calculation catenary curves through 

Washington's teaching. Emily's knowledge was complemented by her 

prior interest in and study of the bridge's construction upon her 

husband's appointment to Chief Engineer.

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