Studying American Ingenuity

http://www.amazon.com/Built-To-Last-George-Sullivan/dp/0439517370

The kids and I have been slowly going through this fascinating book about architecture that covers iconic and influential structures in the United States.  The stories behind these great designs are mostly entertaining and always inspiring. I'm amazed at the ability to construct something so massive so long ago. Their efforts -- primitive at times -- sometimes required many years during an age when machines couldn't do all of the work.

For example, the Brooklyn Bridge found its foundation on the deep bedrock below the East River after years of men mining the mud in underwater chambers. Air tight underwater chambers! The explanation of how these chambers worked was reminiscent of an astronaut in space. Mind you, while this seemingly space age technology was in use, Laura Ingals Wilder was crossing the praire as a child.

After reading this book, I'd like to take the kids on a tour of our favorite monumental structures described in this publication. Why not spend a weekend in New York City learning about more than just the political history of the city? Instead, we could study the history of American ingenuity.