First Published in 1998. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor Francis; an informa company.
#2579162 in eBooks 2014-04-04 2014-04-04File Name: B00JIPZPRQ
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. How West Pointers Built New YorkBy Albert A. NofiA summary of the review on StrategyPage.ComAlthough the story of how West Point provided the bulk of the engineers who built America in the nineteenth century is well known; Prof. Logel (Naval War College); points out that their role in the rise of New York is not only far less celebrated; but is also perhaps their most important contribution to the new nation. Logel opens with a fairly detailed look at the West Point curriculum in the sciences and engineering; and how USMA-trained engineers not only built much of America’s infrastructure; but were also the founders of engineering as a profession in the new nation. He then goes on to trace the influence of Academy graduates on New York; mapping the geological foundation; developing the now famous rigid street grid; the Erie Canal; the Croton water system; and so forth through the Brooklyn Bridge; improvements to navigation; and much more; and also following how some of these men brought their organizational skills to important administrative posts; such as Commissioner of Police or of Docks; along the way not only turning New York into the nation’s economic power house; but also laying the basis for several professional organizations and learned societies. Logel points out that the officers involved; some famous – George B. McClellan; Henry Slocum; FitzJohn Porter – and some not – Egbert Viele; George Greene – went to the city for different reasons; some for the professional opportunities involved; while others; such as McClellan or Porter; for personal vindication. Logel touches on municipal politics; veterans’ affairs; Tammany Hall; immigration; and much more. Although technical details on some of the engineering feats are sparse; and the book could use some better maps; this is a good read for those interested in the history of West Point; the professional in American society; or the history of New York. For the full review; see StrategyPage.Com0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. WOW!By Jancivil-engineering; west-point; progress; nycI was only expecting an interesting doctoral thesis; but this is a history geeks delight! How many civilians bother to wonder about the curricula of West Point beyond the military stuff? Once challenged; it is obvious that civil engineering would be mandatory both for war involvement and reconstruction. And what do graduates do after military service? They insert their knowledge into infrastructure. In the time and place of this study we are talking mostly about things like Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Bridge; just to name my favorites. The exploration of the impact of graduates upon the structure of NYC in the 19th century is well organized and also clearly informative to several kinds of geeks. Like me.I was fortunate to have my request for an audio copy filled in a giveaway; but it is definitely worth paying for.Mark Kamish does really well as narrator in that his voice is pleasant; speech clearly understandable; and cadence smooth.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great read!By John NunesOne of the most interesting and thouroughly researched recap of the development of NYC. Great read!
