A Brief History of Concrete in the United States
While cement made of various materials has existed in some form or another as early as 3000 BCE, the modern concrete we use today has only gained popularity in the United States within the last 150 years or so.
“Ward’s Castle”, an upscale home built in 1875 in Port Chester, New York, was constructed using concrete, but was designed as to appear to be made from stone masonry, as concrete was not seen as the tasteful fashion of the era.
Did you know that the first concrete road in the US, built in Bellefontaine, Ohio, is still functional today? Built in the year 1891, the material was poured by George Bartholomew. The road is incredibly strong, about twice as strong as the concrete we trust and use for today’s industrial needs.
Thomas Edison designed concrete homes in New Jersey in 1908. The houses were cheap to make, yet durable and resistant to the risk of fire. These homes are still standing today!
Many culturally rich locations in our nation are concrete structures. Particularly by the mid 20th century, concrete buildings of industry were seen as novel for the time of their completion. The Guggenheim museum, in New York City, was built from concrete in 1956.
Today, concrete is used for all sorts of building needs due to its dependability, versatility, and availability. What will become the largest concrete building in the world is currently under construction in Houston, Texas. Appropriately, the building is owned by a construction company.
We at Master Services are excited to provide the utmost in dedication and service to any of your concrete needs. If you are uncertain as to the status of the concrete in your home, business, or industrial structure, don't hesitate to call us today for a free estimate!