Ralph Modjeski

Ralph Modjeski (born Rudolf Modrzejewski; January 27, 1861–June 26, 1940) was a Polish-born American engineer who achieved prominence as a pre-eminent bridge designer in the United States. He was born in Bochnia (Salzberg), then in Galicia, Austrian Empire, on January 27, 1861, to Gustav Sinnmayer Modrzejewski and actress Helena Opid Modrzejewska (best known outside Poland as Helena Modjeska). In 1865 his mother left Sinnmayer, and in 1868 she ma... more

Ralph Modjeski (born Rudolf Modrzejewski; January 27, 1861–June 26, 1940) was a Polish-born American engineer who achieved prominence as a pre-eminent bridge designer in the United States. He was born in Bochnia (Salzberg), then in Galicia, Austrian Empire, on January 27, 1861, to Gustav Sinnmayer Modrzejewski and actress Helena Opid Modrzejewska (best known outside Poland as Helena Modjeska). In 1865 his mother left Sinnmayer, and in 1868 she married "Count" Bożenty Chłapowski. In July 1876 they emigrated to America, where, as a matter of convenience, the boy's mother altered her name to Helena Modjeska and her son's name to Ralph Modjeski. The son returned to Europe to study at l'Ecole des Ponts et Chaussées (the School of Bridges and Roads) in Paris, France. It was in 1883, while studying at Paris, that he obtained American citizenship. However, he always maintained contact with Poland, wrote much in Polish, and emphasized his Polish origins. In 1885 he graduated from the School of... less