Description: (Irish-American Self-Taught Civil Engineer Known for Building the Water System of Los Angeles)
William Mulholland, a self-taught civil engineer of Irish American descent, made notable contributions to Los Angeles' water infrastructure. Leading the predecessor to the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, he orchestrated the creation of the 233-mile Los Angeles Aqueduct, which transported water from Owens Valley to the San Fernando Valley. Unfortunately, his career met an abrupt end due to the devastating collapse of the St. Francis Dam in 1928, shortly after his inspection.