Title

Geotechnics and regionalism: the lineage of thought from John Wesley Powell to Benton Mackaye

Author

Nikkilee Cataldo, University of Southern Maine, Muskie School of Public Service

Date of Award

5-2013

Document Type

Capstone

Degree Name

Master of Community Planning and Development (CPD)

Department

Community Planning and Development

First Advisor

Mark B. Lapping

Keywords

John Wesley Powell, GeoTechnics and Regionalism, Regional Planning, Land use planning, History, Muskie School of Public Service

Abstract

John Wesley Powell and Benton MacKaye, each developed exceptionally comprehensive and innovative regional planning visions that had a great deal in common. They both were Jeffersonian idealists, who considered those who tilled the soil and worked the land for primary production a class of men above all the rest.

This paper will explore some of the fundamental theory behind the work of both Powell and MacKaye, as well as examples of the plans that they developed. It will become clear that the two men were working from very similar theoretical vantage points, though in relatively different socio-political eras. It will also be clear that the two men developed innovative and comprehensive plans that were eventually implemented – though in ways that likely would have (or did) disappointed them from the vantage point of a century later.

Recommended Citation

Cataldo, Nikkilee, "Geotechnics and regionalism: the lineage of thought from John Wesley Powell to Benton Mackaye" (2013). Muskie School Capstones and Dissertations. 67.
https://digitalcommons.usm.maine.edu/muskie_capstones/67