Today in History: Otis & His Elevator


Today in History–September 20–the Library of Congress features Elisah Graves Otis and his elevator, the first of which he sold on this day in 1853. Otis’ patented automatic safety break helped pave the way for the modern skyscraper. Find out more by reviewing the Today in History section, then click the links below  to access related resources.

Otis Opened Elevator Factory from America’s Library

Otis elevator: historical newspaper articles & ads

Otis elevator image set

Elevator image set

Elevator legislation

Scene from the elevator ascending Eiffel Tower 1900 film

The Good Sport 1918 film

Elevator Music In the Muse blog post September 21, 2010

Primary Source Spotlight: Inventors & Inventions