Industrial Revolution Inventors

Abraham Darby

Oct 28, 1709

Abraham Darby invented the coke-burning blast furnace, using refined coal as a fuel

Thomas Newcomen

Oct 27, 1712

In 1712, Thomas Newcomen patented the first steam engine, designed for pumping water faster than ever before.

John Kay

Oct 27, 1733

In 1733, John Kay patented the flying shuttle, which was used to make wider threads, which allowed it to be used in automatic machine looms.

James Hargreaves

Dec 7, 1764

In 1764, James Hargreaves, who was a weaver, created the spinning jenny, a multiple spindle frame, allowing the worker to spin 8 threads at a time.

Richard Arkwright

Oct 27, 1768

In 1768, Richard Arkwright invented the spinning machine, which was used to make thread and yarn from cotton and wool.

James Watt

Dec 31, 1775

James Watt invented the first reliable steam engine.

Samuel Crompton

Oct 27, 1779

In 1779, Samuel Crompton invented the spinning mule, which included both the water frame that Arkwright invented with the spinning jenny that Hargreaves invented.

Eli Whitney

Dec 31, 1793

Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin to process cotton at a higher rate per hour. He also invented different parts for muskets.

Robert Fulton

Oct 27, 1794

Robert Fulton invented a more reliable steam boat, which carried people from New York, NY to Albany, NY. He later made a warship that was also powered by steam.

George Stephenson

Oct 27, 1830

In 1830, George Stephenson, a mechanical engineer, created the Liverpool and Manchester Railway, the first "multi-city" railroad using steam locomotives.

Elias Howe

Oct 27, 1845

Elias Howe, an American, is best known for an invention we still use today: the sewing machine. It is used for stiching and sewing, which is faster than sewing by hand.

Cyrus Field

Aug 30, 1858

Cyrus Field, who was the founder of the Atlantic Telegraph Company, made a telegraph line cross the Atlantic Ocean.