Henry Flad was born in the Grand Duchy of Baden, Germany, on this date in 1824. Flad was a prominent civil engineer whose work significantly impacted infrastructure development in St. Louis and the rest of the US. After receiving his education in engineering in Germany, Flad emigrated to the United States in the mid-19th century, a period marked by rapid industrialization and expansion. His technical skills and innovative approaches quickly distinguished him in the field of civil engineering.
Flad’s early career in America saw him involved in various railway projects, which were critical to the country’s transportation network at the time. He worked on the construction of the Ohio and Mississippi Railroad, where his expertise in surveying and structural design was highly valued. His contributions were crucial in overcoming the geographical and technical challenges of laying railway tracks through difficult terrains. After completion of this project, the first railroad to service St. Louis from the east, Flad was assigned to another project in Potosi, and then worked as a land and tie agent for the railroad in Arcadia.
At the outset of the Civil War Flad, like many other German immigrants, enlisted to fight for the Union. He began as a private but rose through the ranks to become a Colonel by the war’s end. Flad put his engineering skills to use creating fortifications and repairing railroads in several theaters of the war, including in St. Louis and Cape Girardeau.
Flad’s career continued to flourish after the war. One of Flad’s most notable achievements was his work on the Eads Bridge in St. Louis, Missouri. Completed in 1874, the Eads Bridge was the first bridge to span the Mississippi River and was an engineering marvel of its time. Flad served as the chief assistant to James B. Eads, the chief engineer, and played a pivotal role in the design and construction of the bridge’s innovative pneumatic caissons and steel arch spans. The successful completion of the Eads Bridge not only demonstrated Flad’s engineering prowess but also set new standards for bridge construction worldwide. After this project Flad served as the engineer who laid out Forest Park when it was purchased.
In addition to his engineering accomplishments, Henry Flad was known for his leadership and mentoring of young engineers. He held various positions in professional engineering societies, where he advocated for the advancement of engineering education and professional standards. Flad’s contributions to civil engineering were recognized through numerous accolades, and his legacy continues to influence the field today. He passed away in 1898, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and excellence in engineering.
