One of America’s Earliest Successful Inventors - Thomas Blanchard - Patents a Method of Construction of Steam Boats to Pass Rapids: The patent is signed by Andrew Jackson as president and Martin Van Buren as Secretary of State, and is the most significant patent we have carried

Thomas Blanchard pioneered the assembly line style of mass production in America, and also invented the first machining lathe for interchangeable parts. In 1825, Blanchard invented America's first car, which he called a ""horseless carriage,"" powered by steam. Turning his attention to steam transportation, Blanchard invented a ""steam wagon"" before the introduction of railroads. In 1831 he received a patent for an improved form of steamboat, so constructed as to ascend rapids or rivers having strong currents, which was used on the Connecticut River and in the west. During Blanchard's lifetime, he was awarded over twenty-five patents for his creations.

This is Blanchard’s 1831 patent for the better construction of steamboats. Document signed, Washington, March 25, 1831, awarding “Thomas Blanchard, a citizen of the United States”, a patent “in the construction of steam boats for the passage of rapids.” The fascinating two page original description of the invention is still present.

This is the most significant patent document we have carried.