William C. McNown was a professor of civil and highway engineering at the University of Kansas from 1913 to 1950. He was a Learned distinguished professor of engineering. His papers include correspondence, course papers, and research into soil-cement blocks and cement.

This collection consist of a series of blueprints, maps, and plans, largely of buildings or flood control in the Lawrence, Douglas County, Kansas area from work W.C. McNown completed as engineer.