Lindon Wallace Bates was born in Marshfield on this day in 1858. Bates was destined to become a civil engineer and would gain international recognition for his work.

He played a pivotal role in the development of transcontinental railways, but his most lasting works involved rivers, ports and canals. Bates worked for Great Britain, Belgium, and Russia.

He helped to improve the port of Antwerp and the Black Sea Harbor. Bates assisted in the enlargement of the Suez Canal and designed the plan for the Panama Canal’s three lakes.

France bestowed upon him a Grand Prix award for his “distinguished services to science.”

Historic image courtesy Library of Congress