A Machine to Move Ocean and Earth

In A Machine to Move Ocean and Earth, historian James Tejani delves into the often-overlooked history of the Port of Los Angeles, illustrating its critical role in shaping America’s destiny as a gateway to the Pacific. He chronicles the transformation of the San Pedro estuary, once dominated by Mexican estates, into a vital hub engineered against the odds through innovative techniques and impressive dredging efforts. Tejani’s narrative reveals how this pivotal location became a catalyst for both progress and the complex issues of violence and inequality, offering listeners a deeper understanding of the port's significance in American history.