Delve Underground Colleague Salutes Accomplishments of Polish American Civil Engineers

Did you know that Polish American civil engineers have been influencing our nation since its founding in 1776? And that a Polish American civil engineer was responsible for designing some of America’s most iconic (and important) bridges?

On Sunday, November 12, 2023, Delve Underground’s Central Regional Manager, Ken Dombroski, was a guest lecturer at The Polish American Museum in Port Washington, New York. His topic was the accomplishments of Polish American civil engineers, with a particular focus on Tadeusz Kosciuszko and Ralph Modjeski. In many ways, Kosciuszko is the father of American civil engineering education while Modjeski forged a reputation as one of the world’s foremost bridge designers.

Tadeusz Kosciuszko designed the defensive earthworks that led to America’s momentum-changing victory at the 1777 Battle of Saratoga during the Revolutionary War. More importantly, he designed the permanent fortifications and buildings at West Point on New York’s Hudson River, which after the war became America’s first civil engineering school as part of the United States Military Academy. The creation of the engineering school was the direct result of Kosciuszko’s recommendation to the leaders of the new nation. Graduates from West Point’s civil engineering program influenced the development of America’s public infrastructure well into the 20th century.

In the present day, Ralph Modjeski’s bridges are still functioning as important connectors in our transportation system. His notable work includes the Ben Franklin Bridge over the Delaware River in Philadelphia, the Broadway Bridge over the Willamette River in Portland, and the Huey Long Bridge over the Mississippi River in New Orleans. Modjeski was also a special consultant on the design and construction of the San Francisco Bay Bridge.

The lecture was attended by several distinguished guests, including Krzysztof Szczerski, Poland’s Ambassador to the United Nations; and veterans of the US Army’s Fifth Corps. The Polish news media covered the Ambassador’s attendance and mentioned Ken’s presentation.

Besides Ken and other colleagues at Delve Underground with a Polish heritage, one of our project partners on the Sumner Tunnel Rehabilitation is Ralph Modjeski’s original firm, Modjeski & Masters, which continues to thrive today. Sometimes we do not have to dig deep to discover and appreciate these interesting connections to the legacy of the civil engineering profession!