William Barclay Parsons papers, 1899-1915

Creator:
Parsons, William Barclay, 1859-1932
Extent:
1 box 1 box
Language:
English .
Scope and content:

This collection contains correspondence, including letters from U.S. President Grover Cleveland (1837-1908), Canadian author Gilbert Parker (1862-1932), and printed monographs and magazine articles. Please note that Parsons' diaries covering his Panama Canal years and World War I service have been catalogued as book manuscripts.

Biographical / historical:

William Barclay Parsons (1859-1932) was a civil engineer, who attended Columbia University (AB, 1879; CE, 1882). As chief engineer, Parsons designed and built the first units of the Rapid Transit System of New York (1899-1904). In 1898, he directed a survey of Chinese railroads (1898-1899) primarily on the line from Hankow to Canton. Parsons was appointed to the international Board of Consulting Engineers for the Panama Canal (1905). In 1905, he was also selected chief engineer of the Cape Cod Canal (1905-1914). Parsons served in both the Spanish-American and World War I. He is the author of An American Engineer in China (1900), The American Engineers in France (1920), and other works relating to engineering.

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is located on-site.

This collection has no restrictions.

Terms of access:

Reproductions may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.

Preferred citation:

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); William Barclay Parsons papers; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

Location of this collection:
RBML Home Page
6th Floor East Butler Library
535 West 114th Street
New York, NY 10027, USA
Before you visit:
Researchers interested in viewing materials in the RBML reading room must must book an appointment at least 7 days in advance. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to 5 items per day.
Contact:
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