Eugene C. Lewis | |
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| Born | Eugene Castner Lewis (1845-06-21)June 21, 1845 Cumberland Iron Works, Tennessee |
| Died | February 13, 1917(1917-02-13) (aged 71) Nashville, Tennessee |
| Resting place | Mount Olivet Cemetery, Nashville |
| Education | Pennsylvania Military Academy |
| Occupation(s) | Engineer, businessman |
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MajorEugene Castner Lewis (June 21, 1845 – February 13, 1917) was an American engineer and businessman. He served as the chairman of theNashville, Chattanooga and St. Louis Railway from 1900 to 1917. As a civic leader, he helped developShelby Park andCentennial Park, including theParthenon, as well asUnion Station.
Eugene C. Lewis was born on June 21, 1845.[1] His father was the manager of theCumberland Iron Works.[2] Lewis was educated at thePennsylvania Military Academy, enrolling in 1862, during theAmerican Civil War.[3]
Lewis began his career as the president ofSycamore Mills inCheatham County, Tennessee.[2] He also designed at least two bridges over Sycamore Creek in Nashville.[4] Additionally, he was the honorary president of theAmerican Association of Engineers.[5]
Lewis joined theNashville, Chattanooga and St. Louis Railway as an industrial engineer.[5] He was elected to its board of directors in 1896, and he served as its chairman from 1900 to 1917.[6]
Lewis was appointed as director-general of theTennessee Centennial Exposition, held a year late in 1897.[5] In particular, he was known to have suggested that a reproduction of the Greek Parthenon be constructed as the centerpiece of Nashville's exhibit and the Exposition. Nashville was nicknamed the "Athens of the South." Its rival Memphis constructed a reproduction of a pyramid. Both exhibits were lit at night and were next to each other on the shore ofLake Watauga.
Lewis supported the retention of the popularParthenon after the exposition closed. (In the 1920s, it was reconstructed in permanent materials and adapted for use as an art museum in the park.)[7]
The exposition grounds becameCentennial Park, which Lewis helped develop along withShelby Park.[1] Additionally, Lewis helped developUnion Station.[8]
On April 19, 1909, Lewis conducted the dedication of theSam Davis Statue outside theTennessee State Capitol.[9]
Lewis was the first vice president of the Nashville Art Association. He was a member of the Park Commission for the City of Nashville from 1910-1912.[5] In 1916, a lawsuit against city government called him as a witness. His and other testimony showed he had hired his son, his brother, his niece, his second nephew and the latter's son to the park commission while he served on it. This was considered illegal nepotism and patronage. He said some appointments were made by others and he had not been aware.[10]
Lewis died on February 13, 1917, in Nashville.[6] He was buried atMount Olivet Cemetery,[6] in amausoleum shaped like an Egyptian pyramid, guarded by two sphinxes.[5]
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