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In memory of

Washington Augustus Roebling

Trenton, NJ

May 26, 1837 - July 21, 1926

May 26, 1837 - Jul 21, 1926

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Washington Augustus Roebling was born on May 26, 1837, in Saxonburg, Pennsylvania, to John Roebling and Johanna Herting. Washington attended many different universities throughout his younger years and finally graduated as a civil engineer, when he joined his father John to work on and build bridges. In 1858, Washington assisted his father in building the Allegheny Bridge. Following the completion in 1860, he returned to Trenton, where he worked on his father's wire mill. With the American Civil War in full swing, Roebling enlisted on April 16, 1861, as a private in the New Jersey Militia. After wanting more, Washington resigned and re-enlisted in a New York artillery battery. He worked his way up in rankings and was voted an officer for building suspension bridges. Roebling played a very important role in many battles and earned a name for himself on the battlefield. Finally, in December 1864, his military days ended and he became a veteran.
In 1868, Washington became assistant engineer on the Brooklyn Bridge under his father, John Roebling. After the death of his father in mid 1869, he was named chief engineer. He made many advancements in the building plans of the bridge and later became the sole reason it was possible. However, during the process of building, he came down with a sickness called "the bends". This enabled him form visiting the site but that didn't stop him. He continued to watch to progress from afar. His beloved wife Emily Roebling took charge in place of him and began overseeing the day-to-day supervision of the project. Despite Washington's deteriorating health, he held on and lived to see the completion of the project on May 24, 1883. Today we celebrate the hard work and dedication Washington offered to this project. We recognize that we are only gathered here today because of him. Lives will forever be changed because of this great creation and will even be recognized for years to come.
Washington Augustus Roebling; a man that changed the evolution of industry in the world we live in today. His dedication, passion, and involvement in the world will be an inspiration to many.

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