Americans flooded into the area to work on ambitious construction projects such as the ones spearheaded by Bechtel. These American workers made a mark on the nascent city planning being undertaken by the local government. “It’s an American sort of layout because a lot of Americans came in early and made a lasting impression,” says Diwan, who has traveled in Kuwait and throughout the Gulf region. “They also left a strong cultural mark,” she notes. “You can still get [the popular Texas brand] Bluebell ice cream in Kuwait.”
Above, three unidentified Bechtel International employees pose in Kuwait City in 1950.
F. H. Andrus
