Jacob's Ladder, Brisbane, Public stairway in Spring Hill, Brisbane, Australia
Jacob's Ladder is a public outdoor stairway in Brisbane made up of 86 concrete steps arranged in 10 sections with two larger landing areas. It connects Edward Street to Wickham Terrace while climbing a steep slope between the two streets.
The concrete steps were built in 1920 to replace a steep footpath that had previously served the slope in this recreational reserve. The land itself was officially designated as King Edward Park a decade earlier in 1911.
The name Jacob's Ladder references the Biblical stairway to Heaven, representing the steep ascent from Brisbane's central business district to Spring Hill.
The stairway offers pedestrians a direct shortcut between Brisbane's business district and Spring Hill and is commonly used by commuters. The climb is steep, so wearing sturdy shoes and allowing time for the ascent is recommended.
In 1928 a Whippet motor car drove up the entire length of this steep stairway, creating a remarkable photographic record of the event. This unusual feat demonstrates the solid construction of the structure and remains part of local history.
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