Summer 1986

The construction of the Erie Canal was a monumental undertaking that changed the face of the nation. It also produced the country’s first generation of native-born engineers.

The first successful flying machine was bound to have a lot in common with the bicycle, and two cycle makers named Wright realized this.

It began as a crude, poorly understood device. Within ten years it was changing the world. And today it’s history.

The Historic American Engineering Record is creating an archival record of engineering landmarks before they disappear forever

Why did thousands of inventors think their machines could defy the laws of nature?

(If you’re not more than three hundred feet down.)