Efforts of revolutionary leadership in congruence with social, Economic needs of Texas society

Abstract

This paper focuses on the efforts of revolutionary leadership in congruence with social,

Economic needs of Texas society. The community of Harris county`s contributions to 21-century architectural development. Precisely, the Houston ship channel is explored as constructed using dredging technology from the year 1890 to 1914. Much appreciation of architectural influences and influential people is evident in the study. A comparison of that era of construction to current day practice is cited. The comparison is depicted regarding technology and organizational setup.

Introduction

The late decades of 1800 and beginning of 1900 marked infrastructural revelation of

America. Industrialization afforded the country many resources to fund national projects and allowed individuals an opportunity to create a personal haven. America`s infrastructural improvements and new creations included construction of bridges, transport systems, and communication channels. Corporations and residents funded federal projects through taxation.

Industrialization seemed to reveal new opportunities in trade. Oil drilling in Texas achieved impressive levels, the rest of America hoped to enjoy the benefits of fossil fuel, and export meant that better trade relationships would be established. To facilitate such, the congressman for Harris County of Texas proposed and succeeded in his advocacy for federal funding. The county proceeded to procure development for the Port of Houston Texas.

The Houston ship channel, therefore, continued with the assistance of construction genius Charles Morgan. An initial funding was provided by the government and seemed sufficient until the year 1910. An agitated community and county government felt the need to insist on quicker completion of the job. Additional funds were provided jointly; the community provided USD1.25 million and the federal government an equal accompanying figure. Completion of the first stage of waterway improvement was achieved in 1914. Subsequent efforts resulted in a revolution, the passage increased by 400 feet width and 45 feet depth. The project linked Mexico to Houston Texas. The project aimed at improving transportation to the Gulf of Mexico and it happened progressively. Initially, the bay depth was increased by 25 feet, and then 30 feet, later 35 feet and a final 45 feet. The width was also increased to 400 feet, to allow annual access by a fleet totaling to 3000 ships. The Architectural investment involved improving Buffalo Bayou and Galveston Bay.

The designs were influenced by the English style of the Victorian era. Houston ship channel was constructed through the employment of 19-century dredging technology. Sea transportation had achieved technological development allowing the anchoring of ships that used steel cables and deep sea anchoring. Such advancements seemed revelation in fishing, oceanic mining, and sea dredging. The final seaway improvements occurred during the mid-20-century lasting a time span of over half a decade. Export-import trade achieved 28 tons annual shipping. The construction happened during a time when rural-urban migration was considered the key to financial success. America`s metropolitan regions grew at exponential speed and experienced an inflow of foreigners.

When

The industrial revolution inspired entrepreneurship. America needed transportation to deliver goods to people all over the country and facilitate international trade. Such needs triggered national development projects some sponsored wholly by the federal government while others sourced funds from local population. Among the critical projects of the 19th and the 20^th centuries was the development of seaports. The 20th century witnessed monumental infrastructural advancement in Texas; Houston Ship Channel (TX) was completed. Initial construction had commenced during the 19th century with much support from government.

The federal government purchased Charles Morgan’s services during the year 1890. Construction activities were focused at improving the capabilities of Buffalo Bayou and Galveston Bay. The sole agenda was to make possible access by bigger sea transportation vessels. Infrastructural activities proceeded until 1909 upon which time it was noted that progress had been slow.

Houston Ship Channel had only achieved a fifth of the required progress. The residents and Harris County governance did not appreciate the speed of construction and recognized the urgency of additional funding. A campaign aimed at sponsoring progress to place and Texas local community agreed beyond doubt, by way of vote, that the deepening of the Port of Houston entrance was necessary. The community holistically agreed to sponsor the project and sort the government’s support with success. An initial funding of one and a quarter million dollars was pledged by residents and the project progressed in 1910, and with much vigor. The project proceeded well to be concluded in the year 1914, just before the First World War began. Improvement of the channel was observed as opening way to new trade opportunities and inspired architectural minds to seek technological advancement in their field of expertise.

Where

Houston Ship Channel was constructed in Texas. It`s precise location is in Harris County. This region boasts being a center of ultimate American wealth. It allows transportation from the ocean to Texas through the inland waterway. The state trades in petroleum products and provides a means for other trade activities to take place. It has been an area of American sea trade for centuries. This county is part of the state of Texas, United States third largest county. The county`s population is in the range of 4 million people. Its initial government was drafted by John Richard Harris in the year 1837. Its first name was Harrisburg, hence the name, Harris County. The county is ranked largest in Texas. Houston ship channel is within the definition of the Port of Houston. This section of the Sea Port gave the port its much modern touch as observed in current civilization. Its location is an 84-kilometer stretch that links Texas` Houston port to Mexico. Houston Ship Channel initiated trade and created a bridge between consumer markets and production with oil being the main commodity of commerce. Houston ship channel cuts a path from Houston to the Gulf of Mexico. It is designed to establish a position of advantage at the intra-coastal waterway. The ship channel is a significant linking point for production and exportation activities. Galveston Bay is at the coastal region while the Intracoastal Waterway is the end point of the channel. According to Tellier (480), Houston Ship Channel can be viewed as part of both Mexico and Texas, as it is a canal and not a specific location.

Architectural Culture that was Popular Then

Architecture is similar to other arts where trends are assimilated by other regions. A trend in France reaches its climax and becomes appreciated by the French and other cultures as well. At the time when Houston ship channel was being constructed and popular Western architects appreciated some trends. The period between 1880 and 1920 is regarded Victorian. It was mainly reflective of English styles. In America, according to Historic New England, domestic art was Queen Anne style. Architectural design was inspired by the works of Richard Norman Shaw. His architecture borrowed much of his style from the developments of the Elizabethan cottages. Richard Norman`s work seemed to reflect rebellion from the urban style of doing things. It went against the modern emphasis on steel to advocate for simplicity. It manifested an architectural approach based on designs that used timber. Another architectural style during that period is the Shingle Style of 1880 and 1900. Many architects influenced the culture and among them was the American, Henry Hobson Richardson. It appreciated Syrian arches, Palladian windows, and Gambrel roofing style. American professionalism was the major influence for this style.

Finally, the colonial revival was the longest lasting architectural style at the time of Houston ship channel construction. It was an advancement of the colonial architecture as developed by the English. A most significant influence on colonial revival architecture is the Post medieval English and Dutch eras. According to Williams (2003), William Lawrence Bottomley is among the most appreciated architects of Colonial Revival. This architectural culture appreciated the cosmetic value of construction. Structural integrity was important, but building fashion involved decorative designs. The culture was most importantly adapted by private structure development that is construction homes.

Civilization

During the period between 1865 and 1900, Americans were adapting to a new social trend. The rural-urban migration took place at monumental extents as people wanted to enjoy the ideal city life. The belief in a modernized world where people would exist in a corporate and industrial roles system was intriguing and appeared realistic as industries grew fast and employment provided financial security. Architects inspired by the trend built modern structures and changed the topographical detail of the American towns. Architects like Louis Sullivan made their mark on architectural history. During this era, steel became a current element for construction. Buildings rose to heights previously unimaginable. Early 20-century was a game changing time as elevators became famous. Civilization involved the adoption of advanced technology and reached new extremes with the much-developed transport and communication. Railroads inspired inland movement while shipping allowed the expansion of international trade. Development of transportation and communication industries meant that ideas spread faster and wider.

Indeed, this era is best remembered as a time when globalization became a reality. People recognized the suburb lifestyle but found that factory jobs provided greater opportunities, they lived away from town and commuted to the city on a daily basis. Architectural developments became a most significant element of urban amusement. America witnessed career revolution; civilization improved the life experience and allowed modern women to participate in industries directly without needing to employ physical strength. Social differences born by the growth of urban population and a lifestyle of disposable packaging resulted in pollution and environmental degradation. The cities provided excellent education and allowed sustainable development.

Populations moving to urban areas were accompanied by international immigrants who sort to establish a new life in America. As a result, America`s metropolitan areas grew exponentially.

Size

Houston ship channel has witnessed structural adjustments since the first activities that took place during the 19-century. During the first construction efforts, the waterway was supposed to reach the depth of 25 feet. As the need for deeper and wider waterway proceeded to grow, the community and government emphasized that expansion adjustments be put in place. The proposed length of the channel during the start of the Houston Ship Channel project was 84 kilometers. The plans for the project were improved further so that a 100 kilometers length was achieved before the project could be termed a success. The architect charged with the responsibility of delivering the project as suggested during the year 1890 was commissioned for the subsequent developments. Morgan had the privilege to oversee the project as it approached its next stage of development in 1930. Due to the first world war, America`s economy had suffered enormous consequences. Many funds directed to winning the war presented much need that the government set up projects to ensure that such funds be recovered. Harris County had gained a reputation as a major player in international trade thanks to the Port of Houston. The federal government saw the need for the seaport to be expanded. Houston Ship Channel was dredged further to achieve a depth of 30 feet and a width of 300 feet at Morgan`s point. This progress was realized against economic challenges, and the economic depression acted against development. The economic depression meant that companies collapsed, and federal taxes reduced substantially. According to Lardas (66) Galveston Bay, the construction activities were completed during the year 1930 to achieve a depth of 34 feet and a width of 400 feet. These adjustments made capacity changes; the Port of Houston was now able to accommodate annual ship docking of about 3000 vessels. Within such depth and width, over 28 million tons of export and import went through the port. During the year 1957, further expansion activities commenced. The intentions were to have the channel`s depth increased to 45 feet.

Labor

The quality of labor employed evolved considerably. The 19-century construction activities involved less skilled labor while 1930 improvements involved better-skilled workforce. The channel initially consisted of non-trained people. The construction activities accommodated social involvement. Locals were at liberty to put in their contributions, and the federal government had young men paid to work on the channel. A lack of skill among labor did not involve the head of construction. Head engineer Charles Morgan had a distinguished history as a shipping guru. He had built other channels and inspired the building of lesser sized canals. The consultant was commissioned with the hope that he could guide the process to an infrastructural revolution. Besides Charles Morgan`s wits, the United States Army Corps of Engineers had been involved. The later did assessments and suggested appropriate adjustments to the port. Army Corps engineers remained resourceful as the project was converted from idea to physical existence. The dredging process accommodated over 55,000 jobs, directly and indirectly. These jobs mainly consisted of role specifications that required little to no academic and practical skill. Houston ship channel was a major employer during construction and utilization as well.

Methods

The method of choice during the construction of Houston ship channel was dredging.

Indeed, this technique of natural mass movement had gained much popularity as a means used in waterbed mining. Dredging involved the use of mechanical equipment to remove sediments from the floor of a water body. The purpose of such action is to safeguard the environment, improve water flow, rid the water body of impurity, or ensure easy movement of water vessels in the water. Dredged material is disposed of in a manner that is in congruence with advised guidelines as per the United States Army Corps. Dredging activities mainly occur for a commercial or environmental purpose. In this case, dredging was intended to widen and deepen the limits of the waterway. The canal achieved expected size as architectural techniques were employed to ensure strategic dredging. Dredged material was deposited in the environs of the ship channel. The consequences and rewards of this constructive technology as employed in the 19th and 20thcentury project were a revelation. The economic benefits were realized as trade grew, and the metropolitan welcomed large populations of new urban dwellers. The environmental aspects surrounding Houston Ship Channel project involved much demerit. Deposited dredging material caused wetlands and created islands in the waterway. Dredging technology had been employed to improve the depth to new extremes not to recover previous depth.

Tools and Equipment

The Western Oceanic competition allowed the development of revolution technology. Equipment such as Sigsbee sounding machine was developed to assist expedition and research. Other sounding machines such as Wireline sounding machine were discovered. Anchorage technology allowed sailors to work on the seabed by sinking anchors in the deep sea. During the Houston Ship Channel construction, engineers used steel cable anchors and Sigsbee sounding machines to study the depth of the bedrock. Determining the extent of progress achieved was done using similar manner of equipment. The Sigsbee and piano-wire sounding machines were produced by a common person, Charles Sigsbee. Maps developed by such machines were employed in the exploration activities and dredging processes. Steel cable dredging equipment was used to move silted material from the waterway`s floor. Before the first phase of Houston ship channel was completed, electro-mechanical sounding was invented. It allowed construction efforts to achieve new development of exploration in subsequent dredging activities.

Modern Canal Construction

According to Yell, Dennis, and Riddell (10), dredging technology has changed significantly. If a similar project were undertaken today, the dredging technology employed would differ. Instead of steel cable dredging equipment, cutter and suction dredging machines would be used. Drawing silt and other sediments would be less about scooping using manually operated machines and more about computerized operations. The usage of backhoe excavation techniques has been faced out by methods that are more flexible. The process of digging out sections of the water floor has been refined to allow methods that emphasize on waterbed stability. Commonly employed strategies involve extensively researched technology and advanced knowledge in geological studies. Modern canal construction is undertaken by academically achieved people with a strong background in geography and physics. Also, the trends have shifted from labor-intensive employment to intensive investment in equipment.

Modern research equipment is highly sophisticated and involves more advanced technological focus. Qualified captains and engineers hold high accreditations in oceanography and are achieved machine operators. Instead of using a large crew of less skilled labor, a modern day excavation engineer requires few people to perform monumentally greater tasks.

Conclusion

The Port of Houston had existed as a significant trade port for ages before the construction activities on Houston Ship Channel. The construction of Houston Ship Channel (TX) was a process that consumed about seven decades. It began in 1890 as a federal project and evolved to accommodate local contributions. The first phase was completed in 1914. Then, further improvements continued until 1957. Relevant inspirations to the development involved import and export trade. The main contributors to the project included US army corps engineers and the likes of Charles Morgan. The Congress authorized project involved dredging of a 50- mile canal linking Mexico to Houston Texas. The purpose was to improve trade and transport.

Works Cited

·        Historic New England,. 'Architectural Style Guide — Historic New

·        England'. Historicnewengland.org. N.p., 2015. Web. 10 Nov. 2015.

·        Lardas, Mark. Port Of Houston, The Images Of America Series. Arcadia Publishing, 2013. Print.

·        Tellier, Luc-Normand. Urban World History. Québec [Qué.]: Presses de l'Université du Québec,

·        2009. Print.

·        Williams, Kimberly Prothro. A Pride Of Place. Charlottesville: Published for Fauquier County

·        by the University of Virginia Press, 2003. Print.

·         Yell, Denis, and John Riddell. Dredging. London: T. Telford, 1995. Print.