Founded in 1889, the Puget Sound Bridge and Dredging Company was destined to become one of Seattle's most important companies. Whether under the title Puget Sound Bridge and Dredging Company or Lockheed Shipbuilding and Construction Company, their hand can be seen in most major construction sites in the Pacific Northwest including Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, Idaho, Oregon and California. In addition, they are responsible for many ships, including some of the Washington State ferries and many naval vessels during and after World War II.
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1909 -
1910
:
Hydraulic Dredges construct Harbor Island, the largest
man-made island for thirty-five years--second now only to Treasure Island in
San Francisco. Harbor Island was the site of the company since the
thirties.
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1924:
The Dexter Horton Building was constructed in Seattle. At
fourteen stories, it was the largest reinforced concrete building in the United
States west of Chicago.
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1927:
A steel cantilever bridge was constructed over the Snake
River at Twin Falls, Idaho.
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1939:
Construction began on the Lake Washington Floating
Bridge.
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WWII:
WWII provided a boom in contracts for the company with the
Navy. In conjunction with their Canadian affiliate, the British Columbia Bridge
and Dredging Company, they constructed Naval bases in Alaska at Sitka, Dutch
Harbor and Kodiak. In addition the BCB & D built a Point of Embarkation at
Prince Rupert for the Army.Eighty-two ships were constructed for the Navy
as well, with a record fifteen (five of three different types) ships being
delivered in one day.
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1959:
Company purchased by Lockheed.
More recent projects include the Grand Coulee Dam, much of the Interstate 5 bridges and roadways through Seattle, and the San Fernando Tunnel in California. They have continued to build ships ranging from dredges, tugs and ferries to mine sweepers, ice breakers and guided missile frigates, mostly for the Navy, Coast Guard and the states of Washington and Alaska.
From the guide to the Lockheed Shipbuilding & Construction Company Photographs and Publications, 1889-1980, (Museum of History & Industry Sophie Frye Bass Library)
