This historical survey of bridges, tunnels and canals shows how the United States used these structures to solve transportation problems.

Includes index.

Introduction -- Heyday of the canals -- Timber spans and iron horses -- The importance of being level -- And then came steel -- The suspension spectacle -- Portfolio: the Brooklyn Bridge -- A great time for doing -- In the age of the automobile -- Appendix: Chronology, Mr. Beach's pneumatic secret, The essentials of bridge building, Cause for celebration, A history in song.