Claudius Crozet

This biography reflects the growing recognition by historians and engineers of Claudius Crozet's importance in 19th-century civil engineering - especially his contributions to the development of transportation systems in America, particularly in Virginia. The authors give an account of Crozet's life including his education in France, his military experiences in Napoleon's army, his years at West Point and the innovative changes he made in the teaching of engineering and mathematics, the role he played in the founding of the Virginia Military Institute, and his years as president of Jefferson College in Louisiana and the Richmond Academy in Virginia. This account is based on both French and United States archival material, and it illuminates the relationship between European and American military and technological education. Crozet's work as state engineer in both Virginia and Louisiana is highlighted. His most significant engineering project was the building of the Blue Ridge Railroad and its tunnels in Virgina. The railroad tunnel built under the crest of Rockfish Gap was then the longest in the United States.
Crozet and his family loved Virginia and regarded it as their adopted home. Disturbed by the state's economic and political decline compared to neighbouring states, Crozet hoped to reverse that trend by means of a comprehensive transportation network. His views on specific needs were nearly always proved correct by subsequent developments, many of which he foresaw. Although these views were often received with hostility by vested interests, his loyalty to the state remained unwavering.