Structures

Perhaps skip reading this post if you don't have a head for heights - today we're heading up to look at the scenery from a few observation towers that have been visited by Google's Street View cameras1. First up, the…

Remain seated and keep your hands inside at all times … On June 26, 1927, the Coney Island Cyclone wooden roller coaster opened to a public that had recently developed a passion for thrill rides. Fully restored in the 1970s,…

On June 6, 1892, the first section of Chicago's iconic 'L' (elevated) transit system opened. The Chicago and South Side Rapid Transit Railroad had been constructed along an alley stretching 5.8km (3.6miles) from Van Buren St to 37th St. Thirty…

June 5, 1976, was a bleak day for engineering history with the collapse of the Teton Dam. This brand new structure  was built over 3 years at a cost of at least $100million, with construction pushing on despite concerns about…

On May 28, 1932, the (unpronounceable for those of us outside the Netherlands) Afsluitdijk opened. This 32km (20mile) dike is part of a larger flood-protection scheme. Near the mid point is a monument and viewing tower. On the inland side…

Although the walls in question are made of stone, the title of this post isn't missing an 'e'. Ston is a town in Croatia which is the proud owner of Europe's longest structure. The walls of Ston are defensive walls…