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Peter Christian Asserson papers, circa 1881, 1944
- Title
- Peter Christian Asserson papers, circa 1881, 1944
- Identifier
- P0027
- Date
- circa 1881, 1944
- Description
- Abstract
Biographical information on a Norwegian-born rear admiral and civil engineer in the United States Navy. He was an ensign in the navy during the Civil War, and as the senior member of the Corps of Engineers, 1872-1901, was in charge of building most major American dry docks. Includes an article by Kenneth O. Bjørk (n.d.).
Biographical information:
Born in Egersund, sailed as a youth in Norway, took courses in navigation, astronomy and engineering at Cooper Union in New York in preparation for service in the Union Navy at the onset of the Civil War. Served on the Florida as navigator and divisional officer. Following the war he raised four battleships, two frigates and a number of river boats. Placed in charge of the reconstruction of the navy yard in Norfolk in 1873. In 1885 he was sent to rebuild the navy yards in New York. Became known as a dry dock expert, retired in 1901, died in 1906. Children were William C. Asserson, Frederick A. Asserson, Henry R.Asserson, M. Alice Asserson, and two daughters who married W. B. Fletcher and William F. Spicer.
Contents
- Clipping, Biography by Kenneth Bjørk published in Nordisk Tedende, March 23, 1944
- In English.
- Photocopy of application as a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, circa 1881
- Approved as member in June 1882.
- Approved as member in June 1882.
Location:
1/A/3 - Clipping, Biography by Kenneth Bjørk published in Nordisk Tedende, March 23, 1944
- Extent
- 1 folder
- Language
- Norwegian
- English
- Rights
- Rights undetermined.
- Type
- Clippings
Collection
Citation
Asserson, Peter and Bjørk, Kenneth O., “Peter Christian Asserson papers, circa 1881, 1944,” Norwegian American Historical Association, accessed October 17, 2026, https://norwegianamericanhistory.org/catalog/items/show/9654.