On October 23rd, 1852 a notice was sent to practitioners of civil engineering in and near New York City requesting their participation in developing an association that would serve the professionals who design and construct America's built environment. Twelve men responded to this invitation, meeting on November 5 in the office of Alfred W. Craven, chief engineer of the Croton Aqueduct  Department. These men became the founders of the American Society of Civil Engineers and Architects, later renamed the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). They laid the foundation for what has become one of the most prominent engineering societies in the world, with a mission to advance professional knowledge and improve the practice of civil engineering across the globe.. 

ASCE remained headquartered in New York City for 144 years. However, to position the organization at the crossroads of global commerce and power, the association moved to the Washington, DC area in 1996. 

The 12 Founding Members of ASCE: 

Julius W. Adams 
J.W. Ayres 
Alfred W. Craven 
Thomas A. Emmet 
Edward Gardiner 
Robert B. Gorsuch 
G.S. Greene 
James Laurie 
W.H. Morell 
S.S. Post 
W.H. Sidell 
W.H. Talcott