American Society of Civil EngineersIn 1852, the American Society of Civil Engineers and Architects was founded and was the first U.S. national civil engineering society. James Laurie was the first president, and the first secretary was Robert Bennett Gorsuch. The name was shortened later to the American Society of Civil Engineers. The purpose of the society was "the advancement of the sciences of engineering and architecture in their several branches, the professional improvement of its members, the encouragement of intercourse between men of practical science, and the establishment of a central point of reference and union for its members." |