Autographs
General George Goethals the Heroic Panama Canal Builder Begins his Civilian Career in New York City
GEORGE WASHINGTON GOETHALS (1858-1928). American Army Officer and Engineer, Chief Engineer on the Panama Canal Commission.
June 8, 1920-Dated, Typed Letter Signed, “Geo. W. Goethals,” 1 page, measuring 8.5” x 11” Choice Crisp Extremely Fine. This Letter is written to Mr. David Norton of Cleveland, Ohio. Here, Goethals writes, in full:

“My dear Mr. Norton: You may be interested in nowing [sic] that I have organized a firm of Engineers, Designers and Managers of Construction under the corporate name of Goethals, Wells & Company, Inc. We plan to carry on a general engineering and construction business, specializing in the engineering and architectural design of all classes of structures and the management of their construction.

A comprehensive engineering and construction service of this character has been contemplated for some time, but only recently have I been able to complete the organization. With a view of best serving our clients’ interests, I have selected the heads of the several departments from men of broad engineering experience, many of whom have been associated with me in varied enterprises.

The affiliated and associated firms are George W. Goethals and Company, Inc. Consulting Engineers and Managers of Corporations, and Carney & Lindemuth, Consultants - Iron and Steel Works - Metallurgists.

The enclosure [not present] gives you the general scope of the new organization and the character of service offered. --- Yours very truly, -- (Signed) Geo. W. Goethals. President.”

Known as the conqueror of the Panama Isthmus, Goethals here begins the private consulting company that would be his enterprise until his death eight years later. As principal partner, Goethals served as consulting engineer on many important works during the next few years, such as the Inner Harbor Navigation Canal at New Orleans, the Columbia Basin Irrigation Project, the East Bay Municipal Utility District of Oakland, and the Lake Worth Inlet District in Florida. Scarce, and perfect for display.
GEORGE WASHINGTON GOETHALS. 1858-1928. American army officer and engineer. Chief Engineer (appointed by President Theodore Roosevelt) on the Panama Canal Commission (1907), Goethals carried the canal construction through to completion (1914). Promoted Major General (1915) and remained as Governor of Canal Zone (until 1916). During WWI, served as Acting Quartermaster General and Director of Purchase, Storage, and Traffic. Then served as head of the engineering consulting firm, George W. Goethals & Co. (1923- 28).