American Innovations from 1861-1877

iTeach American History Timeline

Period: Jan 1, 1861 to Dec 29, 1877

Telegraph Lines

Oct 1, 1861

Samuel Morse established the "Email of the 19th Century" for better communication between the East and West coast of America. By this time in America there were 65,000 miles of telegraph lines run all over the United States.

Twist Drill

Oct 15, 1861

Invented by Stephen Morse for more precise construction of weapons, government buildings, and homes.

Double Barreled Cannon

Apr 28, 1862

Developed by a Dentist from Athens Georgia, John Gilleland. During testing is was deemed far too dangerious to the firing side due to unpredictable aim. It now resides at the City Hall in Athens, Georgia.

Gatling Gun

Nov 4, 1862

Invented by Dr. Richard Gatling to show how futile war is by being able to mow down an advancing army very quickly and with little effort.

Roller Skates

Jul 30, 1863

Invented by James Leonard Plimpton in New York City. People wanted an easier way to skate without their ankles flopping over. The original skates had the 4 wheels inline.

Cowboy Hat

Jul 30, 1865

Developed by John Batterson Stetson for use on the American Plains. He molded the headwear out of animal skin to help protect him from rain, wind, and snow. This soon became an American Icon.

Pocket Watch (for the average man)

Jul 30, 1865

The Waltham Watch Company started manufacturing pocket watches so that the average man could afford one.

Chuckwagon

Sep 15, 1866

Created by Charles Goodnight for Texas ranchers driving cattle to New Mexico.

Barbed Wire

Jun 28, 1867

Created by a farmer from Ohio, Lucien B. Smith, to establish his territory in the new western frontier. This creation would set the stage for the deadly Barbed Wire Wars and destruction of the animals roaming the plains.

Tape Measure

Jul 28, 1868

Developed by Alvin Fellows of Connecticut. This devise was made for easy usage and stow of a long measuring devise.

American Football

Nov 6, 1869

1st football game in America was played by Rutgers University vs Princeton University. Rutgers won 6-4

Rotary Can Opener

Jul 28, 1870

Invented by William Lyman in Meridan, Connecticut. Developed for fast and safer access to food stored in cans.

Jeans

Jul 30, 1873

Devloped by Levi Strauss for a stronger and better fitting rancher apparel. He used copper rivets to hold the joints together (pockets and fly top).

Spork

Jan 30, 1874

Invented by Samuel W. Francis. This was a combination tool of a fork and a spoon. This invention allowed for less utensils to be carried by chuckwagons and military units, greatly decreasing their weight load.

Phonograph

Mar 28, 1877

Invented by the master of all inventors, Thomas Edison. !st device to record and reproduce sounds.