GW Engineering Legacy
President George Washington has been described as America’s first engineer as he was fundamental in directing technical advancements, inventions, and engineering education. He promoted construction of roads, canals, the United States Capitol, docks and ports, water works, and the new processes to extract coal and ore for use in our new country. In his role as General of the U.S. Army and later as President of the United States, he took an active role in advocating and supporting the need for engineers with formal education and training. He was also instrumental in the establishment of the U.S. Patent Act and ultimately signed the first official U.S. patent.
In keeping with George Washington’s legacy, The George Washington University has continued to be at the forefront in engineering education, looking at engineering from a unique national and international perspective.
