Williamsburg Bridge New York City. The photo shows the Williamsburg Bridge in New York City in 1958, one of the major connections between Manhattan and Brooklyn. The massive steel structures of the bridge span the East River. In the background, Brooklyn is visible. Architectural significance: Opened in 1903, the Williamsburg Bridge was one of the first large suspension bridges with steel construction and played an important role in traffic between Brooklyn and Manhattan. Zeitgeist: In the 1950s, New York was a vibrant metropolis, and bridges like the Williamsburg Bridge were essential for the growing city traffic. The photo captures the monumental architecture and urban dynamism of New York in the late 1950s.