Engineering Week at HSD

 John Philip Holland was an Irish engineer and inventor known for his pioneering work on modern submarines. Born on February 24, 1841, in Liscannor, Ireland, Holland’s education in math and science at the Royal Military Academy in Dublin laid the foundation for his future contributions to naval engineering. In the 1870s, Holland became fascinated with submarines, which at the time were underdeveloped. Moving to the United States in 1873, he worked to gain military support for his ideas. 

In 1878, Holland built his first submarine, the "Fenian Ram," but it faced design issues. Undeterred, he refined his concepts and, in 1897, completed the "Holland I," the first successful submarine with a gasoline engine that could submerge and surface easily. In 1900, the U.S. Navy bought the design, commissioning it as the USS Holland (SS-1), the world’s first modern submarine. 

Holland's innovations revolutionized naval warfare, making submarines a key part of naval fleets in the World Wars and beyond. He passed away on August 12, 1914, but his legacy continues through submarines used by navies worldwide. Holland’s vision and determination greatly shaped the future of naval technology. 
Daniel Burrows