Civil engineers shape history. Get to know the people, their projects, and ASCE's efforts to ensure they will be remembered.
The Historic Civil Engineering Landmark Program recognizes historically significant local, national, and international civil engineering projects, structures, and sites. To see the complete list of National and International Historic Civil Engineering Landmarks go here.
Many of the commuter train riders and the freight train conductors who travel over Maryland's Thomas Viaduct railroad bridge probably don't realize they are riding on a unique piece of civil engineering history. The bridge, which has been in continuous service for all of its 175 years, has been named an ASCE National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. Learn more.
ASCE offers many books looking back at the history of civil engineering in all its facets, from biographies of some of the legends, to the role of women, to technical looks at the advancement of engineering approaches and technologies. See the books available by visiting the ASCE Publications bookstore's history section.
When the twelve Founders gathered at the Croton Aqueduct on November 5, 1852, and agreed to incorporate the American Society of Civil Engineers and Architects, one can only wonder if they dreamed the profound significance and long lasting impact ASCE. Today ASCE is a worldwide leader for excellence in civil engineering which delivers the highest quality publications, programs and services to its worldwide membership, demonstrating a daily commitment to sustaining the profession.
About ASCE headquarters.
The twelve ASCE founders.
To celebrate the profession, ASCE established the History and Heritage Committee (HHC) in 1964. The Committee's mission is to enhance the knowledge and appreciation of the profession's history and heritage.
The History & Heritage Committee produces a newsletter on civil engineering's history and heritage.
Oral history is about people and their experiences. It is not always about renowned people; it can very appropriately focus on a person with noteworthy experiences, but who probably would never write about those experiences.
Historians have carefully preserved the hard evidence of history - artifacts, books, photos - but oral history provides the flavor that can bring these evidences to life.
To help celebrate the 100th anniversary in 2014 of the Panama Canal - one of the great civil engineering projects - all contests in 2013 and 2014 will concern canals and canal builders.
Here is the first contest. Once you have completed it, please email it to Carol Reese
The first three people to get the correct answers will receive a prize.
Good luck!
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