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Steam shovel patented by William Otis, Philadelphia

William Smith Otis (September 20, 1813 – November 13, 1839) was an American inventor of the steam shovel. Otis received a patent for his creation on February 24, 1839.

William Smith Otis (September 20, 1813 – November 13, 1839) was an American inventor of the steam shovel. Otis received a patent for his creation on February 24, 1839. In 1839 William Smith Otis, civil engineer of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was issued a US patent for the steam shovel (No. 1,089) for excavating and removing earth. Officially the patent drawing is missing but a drawing exists which is said to be the one from the patent and this shows the crane mounted on a railroad car. A load of earth could be lifted by the bucket, raised by the crane and turned to be dumped, such as in railcars. The patent described how a steam engine of a type then in ordinary use, was installed with a power control mechanism for the crane, and a system of pulleys to move its arms and bucket.

Historical Significance

William Smith Otis (September 20, 1813 – November 13, 1839) was an American inventor of the steam shovel.

Events Before

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  3. First public demonstration of telegraph messages sent using dots and dashes at Speedwell Ironworks in Morristown, New Je

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  4. Coronation of Queen Victoria, aged 19, during a five-hour ceremony at Westminster Abbey, London [1]

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Events After

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  2. American naval expedition under Charles Wilkes is first to identify Antarctica as a new continent

    American naval expedition under Charles Wilkes is first to identify Antarctica as a new continent

  3. French "The Three Musketeers" novelist Alexandre Dumas (37) weds French actress Ida Ferrier (29), until her death in 185

    French "The Three Musketeers" novelist Alexandre Dumas (37) weds French actress Ida Ferrier (29), until her death in 1859

  4. Treaty of Waitangi is signed between 40 Māori chiefs (later signed by 500) and representatives of the British crown in W

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  5. British Queen Victoria (20) marries her cousin Albert (20) of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, later the Prince Consort at St Jame

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on February 24, 1839?
William Smith Otis (September 20, 1813 – November 13, 1839) was an American inventor of the steam shovel. Otis received a patent for his creation on February 24, 1839. In 1839 William Smith Otis, civil engineer of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was issued a US patent for the steam shovel (No.
Why is Steam shovel patented by William Otis, Philadelphia significant?
William Smith Otis (September 20, 1813 – November 13, 1839) was an American inventor of the steam shovel.

Explore More

February 24 in HistoryYear 1839