Remarkable Engineering Achievements Funded by the New Deal
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Chapter 1: Introduction to New Deal Engineering
In the early summer of 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt visited a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp at Camp Fechner, located in Big Meadows within Shenandoah National Park, Virginia. This visit highlighted the significant role of government initiatives in improving infrastructure, which has become a rare bipartisan effort in Congress. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 allocated $110 billion for roads and bridges, reflecting a commitment to enhancing America's infrastructure.
Historically, one of the most substantial infrastructure investments occurred during the Great Depression. President Roosevelt's New Deal led to the establishment of several agencies aimed at providing jobs while making crucial improvements across the nation. Notable among these were the CCC, which focused on local projects; the Works Progress Administration (WPA), which employed millions for public works; and the Public Works Administration (PWA), which financed construction projects executed by private firms. The following seven engineering marvels, funded during this era, exemplify what government can achieve when it prioritizes employment.
Section 1.1: Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway, a grand project financed by the WPA, involved collaboration among various federal agencies and private contractors. Spanning 469 miles from Virginia to North Carolina, this parkway showcases breathtaking landscapes. Although construction began in late 1935, it took nearly five decades to complete fully, with the final opening occurring in 1987. A hallmark of the parkway is the Linn Cove Viaduct, an elevated structure over 1,200 feet long, recognized as a National Civil Engineering Landmark. The Blue Ridge Parkway ranks as the most visited national park in the United States.
Section 1.2: Grand Coulee Dam
Initiated in 1934 and completed in 1942, the Grand Coulee Dam on the Columbia River is one of the most monumental human-made structures. Constructed with 12 million cubic yards of concrete, it stands 550 feet tall and stretches 5,223 feet in length. While the Hoover Dam is often highlighted for its visual appeal and tourist attraction, the Grand Coulee Dam is the largest producer of hydropower in the U.S. and ranks among the top electricity producers globally.
This video, titled "The GREAT DEPRESSION & the NEW DEAL [APUSH Unit 7 Topics 9-10] Period 7: 1898-1945," delves into the historical context of the New Deal and its impact on American infrastructure, showcasing the importance of governmental initiatives during challenging times.
Section 1.3: Lincoln Tunnel
The Lincoln Tunnel, one of three tunnels built during the New Deal, serves the greater New York metropolitan area. Construction of its central tube began in 1934, with the tunnel opening to traffic by the end of 1937. The project involved innovative techniques, including the use of massive iron rings to create the tunnel under the riverbed. Challenges such as air pressure management necessitated the development of specialized air locks for workers.
Section 1.4: Overseas Highway
The Overseas Highway, originally a railway, was transformed after a hurricane in 1935 damaged the tracks. Railroad magnate Henry Flagler’s vision to connect Florida’s mainland to its keys evolved into a remarkable 113-mile highway, completed in 1938. This engineering feat includes 42 bridges and is known as the "Highway that Goes to the Sea."
Section 1.5: Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Constructed by the CCC in the 1930s, the Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado took five years to complete. The project involved significant earth-moving efforts to create optimal seating and acoustics, using 800 tons of quarried stone and red sandstone to blend with the natural landscape. Today, it remains a premier entertainment venue.
Section 1.6: San Antonio River Walk
The San Antonio River Walk, a vital part of the city’s charm, was brought to life through WPA funding. Robert H.H. Hugman's innovative design aimed to enhance the river's natural beauty while providing spaces for retail and dining. Completed in 1941, the River Walk features extensive walkways, bridges, and lush landscaping, making it a beloved destination.
Section 1.7: Triborough Bridge
Connecting the boroughs of Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens, the Triborough Bridge is a significant public works project of the New Deal. Though construction began in 1929, the Great Depression delayed progress until 1933. Finally opened in 1936, the complex includes a suspension bridge and multiple viaducts. The Manhattan lift bridge is the largest of its kind globally, while the bridge's approach features parks and recreational areas, integrating it into the urban landscape.
The video "The Mountain & The Bad Ending... Oops... | WHILE THE IRON'S HOT | Ep 7" explores the challenges and triumphs of significant construction projects, reflecting on the importance of perseverance and innovation in engineering.
Sources
- ASCE, Metropolitan Section, “Triborough Bridge Project”
- Dangerous Roads, “Overseas Highway, a scenic road that goes to the sea in FL”
- National Park Service, Blue Ridge Parkway, “Construction of the Parkway”
- National Park Service, “Washington: Grand Coulee Dam”
- Port Authority of New York New Jersey, “History of the Lincoln Tunnel”
- Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, Red Rocks History, “Building the Amphitheatre”
- The Living New Deal, “River Walk — San Antonio TX”