Christopher S Blanchard Ph D

Changing the Face of the Earth Christopher S Blanchard Ph D

In 1954, Time Magazine called Harry Morrison "the man who has done more than anyone else to change the face of the Earth." Starting with $600 in cash and a few hand tools, Harry Winford Morrison built Morrison-Knudsen, Inc. (M-K), into the world's largest contractor. The Hoover Dam, the San Francisco Bay Bridge, the Trans Alaskan Pipeline, Bay Area Rapid Transit system, the St. Lawrence Seaway, Walt Disney World, and the Kennedy Space Center complex - all arose from M-K's construction prowess. The firm played a starring role in World War Two, and its work in Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan reshaped the Middle East. Back home, M-K constructed the United States' Intercontinental Ballistic Missile system to defend America during the Cold War. It ushered in the age of the automobile by building major portions of the federal highway system. From the irrigation of the West to sending a man to the moon, Harry Morrison emerges as a central figure in twentieth century history.