Helical piers have a fascinating history that dates back to the early 1800s. The concept was pioneered by Alexander Mitchell, an Irish engineer who was also blind. He developed helical piers to support lighthouses and docks in areas with weak and marshy soils. These early applications demonstrated the piers' capability to stabilize structures in challenging environments. Although their use diminished somewhat during the mid-1900s due to the need for specialized machinery and precise measurements, helical piers have seen a resurgence over the past two decades thanks to advancements in technology and construction techniques.