Thomas C. Clarke, Bridge Builder

Abstract

Clarke was one of the leading engineers in Canada and the United States in 1848 to 1901, working on railroads, waterways, buildings, and primarily bridges. He was a prolific writer with articles not only in ASCE publications but in British technical journals. He also published many articles in Scribners’ and other popular magazines. He was a leader in the formation and running of several major bridge design and construction companies and worked with many leading bridge engineers of the period. He served ASCE for many years starting as a director in 1870 and was elected President of the Society for 1896–1897. Despite his noteworthy career, he is one of the unknown giants of 19th century civil engineering.