Simplon pass illustration

I remembered this story from a book I read before preaching on making straight paths several years ago. This amaizing feat of engeneering involved great loss of life to make this passable. Perhaps you can find more information at your local library.

Simplon: "[Napoleon] recognized the fact that the Simplon is the shortest connection between Paris and Milan and wanted to use it for his expansion plans. In September 1800 he ordered the construction, from 1801-1805 the road was established. The engineer Nicolas Céard led the construction and despite all problems with his subordinated engineers, with the disputes between the Italian and French workers and engineers and also with the topography in the Gondoschlucht the new road over the Simplon could be opened on October 9, 1805. However this was too late for Napoleon, who had to select the Mont Cénis for the return of its coronation as king of Italy. After the end of the Napoleonean empire the Valais took over the road. For the people of that time it was a technical wonder with its bridges, galleries and with its width of at least 7.2 meters: the Simplon got a certain touristic relevance. "