University of Michigan. Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering

The first courses in ship design was offered in 1881 by Mortimer Cooley, assistant engineer in the U.S. navy who had been detailed to the university as professor of Steam Engineering and Iron Shipbuilding. The department was established in 1899 and in 1900 Herbert Charles Sadler was hired as Junior Professor of Architecture and Marine Engineering. The first degree was awarded in 1902. In 1904 the department took up quarters in the new Engineering Building (West Engineering) with classroom and lab facilities including the 300 foot long naval testing tank.

In addition to its instructional activities, the department has from the .beginning supported a research, design, testing and consulting activities for commercial, pleasure and military vessels. There has been a particular interest in matters relating to Great Lakes Shipping.

From the guide to the Dept. of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (University of Michigan) publications, 1964-1992, 1984-1992, (Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan)