6. The Original Bridge Has Ties to D-Day

Emil Praeger, the designer of the original Tappan Zee, entered into World War II as the design manager for the US Navy’s Bureau of Yards and Docks. He served as a senior officer in charge of all civilian and military design for a committee to implement Winston Churchill’s plan to protect harbors from invasion in Europe.

Praeger designed these rectangular concrete breakwaters that would form a protective harbor for the supply and landing operations in Normandy. He later adapted the idea behind those concrete blocks for his design of the Tappan Zee.

Praeger’s other designs include the structural engineering for the General Assembly, Meeting Hall and underground parking garage of the United Nations, and was chief engineer of the proposed extension of the West Side Highway.