Looking for origin of the Brooklyn Bridge for sale story?

[NewJeffCT]

I'm looking for the origin of the story... I know it's similar to buying swampland in Florida in that if somebody thinks they can buy the Brooklyn Bridge, they're really naive and easily cheated.

But where did the story come from?

I'm asking because I had an LTTE printed today that mentions it, but when I showed my wife she didn't really know the story and I was at a loss to explain it to her other than saying it means that somebody is naive & easily cheated.

The letter is in this thread:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x65156

[BuyingThyme]

1. Many people have tried to sell the Brooklyn Bridge,

but it's probably not known who the first was.

[NewJeffCT]

2. kick

late morning kick.

[AllegroRondo]

3. Have you checked Snopes?

sounds like an urban legend that has roots in a true story.

[NewJeffCT]

4. it's not on Snopes

Only thing was in relation to the Hoover Dam - workers were not buried there or in the Brooklyn Bridge if they died during construction.

[SteppingRazor]

5. David McCullogh, who wrote "The Great Bridge"...

is even unsure of the myth's beginnings:

http://www.endex.com/gf/buildings/bbridge/bbridgenews/..%5Cbbnyt060100.htm

[bikebloke]

6. I'll sell you the story of its origin.

And because you're my friend, I'll give you a very good deal.;-)

[bertha katzenengel]

7. Loony Tunes

The legend was covered in a Bugs Bunny episode. ;)