Inventions from 1776-1860

  • Swivel chair:

    Swivel chair:
    Thomas Jefferson invented the Revolving Windsor Armchair, and it is said he drafted the Deceleration of Independence in his invention. These chairs are still widely used to this day, but adopted the same swivel chair instead.
  • Steamboat

    Steamboat
    John Fitch invented the steamboat which was 45-foot boat that sailed the Delaware River on August 22, 1787. The boat could carry about 30 passengers on voyages.
  • Cotton Gin

    Cotton Gin
    Eli Whitney made the cotton gin that separates cotton fibers from seeds. This speeds up cotton production significantly.
  • Wheel cypher

    Wheel cypher
    Jefferson invented this cipher because he needed a way to get his messages securely past European postmasters. The letters of the alphabet were put on the edge of each wheel, and turning these wheels allowed to scramble and unscramble words.
  • fireplace

    fireplace
    Benjamin Thompson, or Count Rumford, invented the Rumford fireplace which restricted the chimney opening to increase the updraught.This invention helped improve the efficiency of fireplaces and reduce smoke pollution.
  • Fire hydrant

    Fire hydrant
    The fire hydrant is a fire protection measure as it allows firefighters to connect to extinguish fires.This invention eliminates the need to equip fire engines with water tanks and sped up the process.
  • The sleeping car

    The sleeping car
    The first sleeping cars named Chambersburg and Carlisle were put into use on the Cumberland Valley Railroad in Pennsylvania. The purpose was to give a way for passengers to sleep overnight on a train.
  • Ironing Board

    Ironing Board
    William Vandenburg and James Harvey made the first ironing board. This is a portable and foldable table that is heat-resistant. It is used to remove wrinkles from clothing with an iron.
  • Escalator

    Escalator
    Jesse Wilford Reno invented a moving staircase called and escalator, which is still used today in many commercial places. However it was originally invented as an amusement ride, then later used for practical transportation.
  • Reaping rifle

    Reaping rifle
    Benjamin Tyler Henry invented the repeating rifle which is a single barreled rifle that held multiple rounds of ammunition. It was used during the American Civil War.