A vision that would change the world would first challenge a family.

New York City, 1869 and following years amid the Industrial Revolution.

After years of preparation and in the midst of New York’s notoriously corrupt government, John Roebling is awarded the design and steel contract to build a bridge over the East River from New York to Brooklyn. This would be the largest suspension bridge in the world. Innovative new techniques familiar only to John Roebling need to be employed to successfully build a bridge of this scale, techniques deemed dangerous by many. Before bridge construction is begun, chief engineer John Roebling is killed in a freak boat accident. This loss leaves the entire project in doubt and closer to the clutches of a rival steel company, headed by the scheming Haldis Dickey.

The East River Bridge Company chooses John's son Washington Roebling to serve as the new chief engineer. Though he is reluctant to lead, urgings from his strong-willed wife Emily convince Washington he must serve in his father’s place. Washington begins construction with the aide of his close associates, the bridge's first assistant engineer Charles "C.C." Martin and the affable master builder, E.F. Farrington.

Shortly into construction, Washington becomes paralyzed from caissons disease or “the bends”. With Washington incapacitated, Dickey Steel & Wire snatches the steel contract and implements dangerous cost-cutting methods that turn the bridge into a deathtrap. At this same time the Bridge Company threatens to oust an ill Washington Roebling. With pressures mounting against him and lacking the physical and emotional strength to continue his work and fight for his position, Washington turns to his friends to fight for him. But it is Emily Roebling who surprises the establishment of the day by taking it upon herself to ensure the Roebling name is forever attached to the Brooklyn Bridge.

Based on the true story.