Ralph Modjeski (1861-1940)
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Polish immigrant and civil engineer, Modjeski was one of the most influential figures in American bridge building. He completed the Quebec Bridge on the St. Lawrence River and over 40 others, earning numerous awards. He was chief engineer and designer for the Benjamin Franklin Bridge here, opened in 1926.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Ralph Modjeski came to America as a Polish immigrant and became one of the most influential bridge engineers the country has known. Over a long career he designed or built more than forty bridges, among them the great Quebec Bridge spanning the St. Lawrence River. As chief engineer he led the design of Philadelphia's Benjamin Franklin Bridge, which opened in 1926 as one of the longest suspension spans of its day.
Why it matters
Modjeski's bridges knit together American cities and rivers, and his career reflects the immigrant engineers who helped build the physical infrastructure of the modern nation.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- National Constitution Centernearby · 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- African American Museum in Philadelphia0.2 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Visitor Center0.2 mi away · 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Museum of Illusions Philadelphia0.3 mi away · 401 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Betsy Ross House0.3 mi away · 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History0.3 mi away · 101 South Independence Mall East, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- U.S. Mint at Philadelphia Tour0.2 mi away
- Benjamin Franklin Grave0.2 mi away
- President's House0.3 mi away
- Chinatown Friendship Gate0.4 mi away · 10th and Arch Street
- Liberty Bell0.4 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Elfreth's Alley0.4 mi away
Food & drink
- Independence Mall Cafe0.2 mi away · 50 North Independence Mall East, Philadelphia
- La Colombe Coffee Roasters0.3 mi away
- Dunkin'0.3 mi away · 634 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Bubble Tea Room0.4 mi away · 319 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- 3J's Cafe0.4 mi away · 317 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Burger King0.4 mi away
Places to stay
- Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District0.2 mi away · 400 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Clarion Suites Philadelphia0.4 mi away · 1010 Race Street, Philadelphia
- Sleep Inn Center City0.4 mi away · 1020 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Renaissance Philadelphia Downtown Hotel0.4 mi away · 401 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- The Philadelphia House0.4 mi away · 17 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Hilton Garden Inn Philadelphia Center City0.5 mi away · 1100 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Related people
- · Ralph Modjeski
Related events
- · Opening of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, 1926
Themes & tags
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