

^ ^ - / % = 



xirxr^n 



Figure 5. — Bollm an's original patent drawing, 1851. (In National Archives, 

 Washington, D.C.) 



enhanced by the theoretical knowledge gained by 

 intense self-study, he eventually came to assist Chiei 

 Engineer Benjamin H. Latrobe in bridge design. He 

 later took this work over entirely as Latrobe's atten- 

 tions and talents were demanded in the location 

 and extension of the line between Cumberland and 

 \\ heeling. 



The B. & O. did not reach its logical destination, 

 Ohio (actually Wheeling, West Virginia, on the easl 

 bank of the Ohio River) until 1853. In the years 

 following Bollman's return to the railroad, the design 

 of bridges was an occupation of the engineering stafl 



second in importance only to the location of the line 

 itself. During this time Bollman continued to rise 

 and assume greater responsibilities, being appointed 

 master of road by Latrobe in 1848. In this position 

 he was responsible for all railroad property that did 

 not move, principally the right-of-way and its struc- 

 tures, including, of course, bridges. 



The recognition of Bollman's abilities was in the 

 well-established tradition of the B. & O., long known 

 as America's first "school of engineering," having 

 sponsored many early experiments in motive power, 

 trackwork, and other fundamental elements of railroad 



82 



BULLETIN 240: CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE MUSEUM OF HISTORY AND TECHNOLOGY 



