Roebling, Washington in his Brooklyn Heights Office with a View of the Brooklyn Bridge, 1883

After suffering a debilitating attack from the bends (then called caisson disease), Washington Roebling was unable to maintain an onsite presence at the bridge, but he retained his position as chief engineer nevertheless. His wife Emily Roebling continued on his behalf, relaying his instructions to the construction site, interpreting his plans, and dealing with the press and other engineers.