Today in History: Otis & His Elevator

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…

Today in History: Federal Patent for Steamboat Awarded

Today in History: Federal Patent for Steamboat Awarded

Today in History–August 26–the Library of Congress features the awarding of a federal patent for the steamboat on this day in 1791 to two (!) men—John Fitch and James Rumsey—each who had devised different systems. Find out whose sketch of what is featured above and uncover more fascinating facts by visiting the Today in History section. Then, if you haven’t run out of…