In many ways, one of the most defining characteristics of the United States is its spirit of innovation, adventurousness, and resourcefulness. Nowhere is this more evident than in the work and lives of the outstanding entrepreneurs who embody this spirit.
Compiling a complete list of famous entrepreneurs would be virtually impossible. Instead, this article will focus on three entrepreneurs who lived and invented in the 19th century—the height of the American Industrial Revolution. Their contributions have been (and continue to be) integral in shaping the history of American business.
E.I. du Pont
Éleuthère Irénée du Pont de Nemours was born in France. He immigrated to the United States in 1800, and within a few short years, had established the Du Pont Company. What initially started as a small mill alongside the Brandywine River in Delaware soon became the largest supplier of gunpowder in the country, thanks to the ingenuity and savvy business skills of E.I. du Pont and his successors. Eventually, the Du Pont Company (which is still in existence today) closed its gunpowder works and branched out into chemical engineering and manufacturing.
Lewis Latimer
Although he came from humble beginnings, Lewis Latimer didn't let that stop him from becoming an accomplished inventor. Born to two formerly enslaved persons, Latimer didn't have access to formal education. He worked with both Alexander Graham Bell and Thomas Edison, and was an instrumental part of improving the design of the lightbulb, thus making electric lighting more accessible to the general public. He also held multiple patents, including one for the first toilet for railroad cars. Latimer was a man of many talents, and even published a book of poetry in addition to his other works. He was posthumously inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.
Harriet Williams Russell Strong
In a time when women's prospects were severely limited, Harriet Williams Russell Strong stood out as a female inventor and entrepreneur. While living in dry Southern California with her husband, Strong's observations and experience led her to design a novel flood control system that would also help with water conservation and irrigation. In spite of having no formal engineering education, she was granted three patents for her inventions.
When Strong's husband died, leaving her to care for her four daughters alone, she went into business, first as a grower and seller of pampas grass, then as a walnut farmer. Strong's use of her own water conservation techniques on her farm eventually resulted in its becoming the largest walnut farm in the nation. Later in life, Strong also emerged as an outspoken advocate for women's rights and suffrage.
If you'd like to learn more about the individuals described here and more incredible inventors, don't miss Hagley's Nation of Inventors Exhibit.
The mission of Hagley Museum and Library is to foster innovation and inspiration through our historical collections. Located on the site of E.I. du Pont's gunpowder works, Hagley's offerings include a library dedicated to the study of American business and technology, a unique patent model collection, and the restored historical mill and workers' community, as well as the home and gardens of the du Pont family. Hagley also hosts a variety of events intended to educate and engage the wider community. Plan your visit today, or consider donating to support our work!