Did you know:
In the mid-1880s the Mohawk Indian started as ironworkers when they were hired as unskilled laborers to build a bridge over the St. Lawrence River onto Mohawk land.
Working in New York City they helped build prominent landmarks, including the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, the George Washington Bridge, and the World Trade Center.
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7 comments:
I knew that Native Americans were good at walking those beams way up there, but I couldn't remember which tribe.
I can't even imagine walking up there. I've seen bridges without rails, just water below. Lately, I've noticed that even walking out on a pier, I feel like I'm being pulled to the water. Yikes.
Now they just build Casino's.
When it comes to heights, I’m the number one biggest chicken; I get up on a 2 x 4 and start to shake!
I stayed in a hotel in Monterey Mexico on the 22nd floor; the window in the room went almost to the floor! I couldn’t even walk up to the window and look out; I had to stand back about 3 feet and it was a beautiful site. Monterey is a beautiful city.
The December 2nd edition of Science Friday featured a story called "Deconstructing a Skyscraper", an interview with Kate Ascher who wrote a book on skyscrapers. They talked about the Native Americans and their role in building the skyscrapers. They are still prominent in the industry.
You can listen to the story here.
I worked across from the site where they built the 1st WI Center (Now US Bank, I think) in downtown Milwaukee. My hands used to break out in a cold sweat when I'd watch those guys hopping around on those girders. It was really an awesome site. I don't believe they lost one of those workers on that project. If they did, thank goodness I didn't see it.
Now I know why my mommy made me do the balance beam, future job training.
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