These Projects Have Stories to Tell

America's great engineering feats are remarkable tales of planning and politics, the processes without which great engineering projects would remain only blueprints. Not one of the "great projects" depicted here was realized simply because an engineer had a brilliant vision, or because the project was technically feasible, or because it would benefit the public. Each had to be pushed through the sticky medium of public controversy and debate. Enterprises undertaken for the sake of safety were built for the safety of all, not only of a monied elite. Projects that aimed to enhance the quality of life embraced more and more people as they grew.

To tour the projects, click on the images above or items at right.

Content for "Tour the Projects" was drawn in part from Great Projects by James Tobin (The Free Press, 2001). The book also includes chapters on the creation of the Internet and the aqueduct system that provides clean water to New York City.