Sylvester Roper with Steam Carriage, circa 1865
Add to SetSummary
Massachusetts machinist Sylvester Roper built at least seven steam-powered carriages and two steam-powered motorcycles years before automobiles -- as we know them -- appeared. Roper never produced his vehicles commercially. Instead, he exhibited them at circuses and fairs where crowds marveled at the self-propelled contraptions. Steamboats and steam locomotives were common, but steam-powered carriages were genuine novelties.
Massachusetts machinist Sylvester Roper built at least seven steam-powered carriages and two steam-powered motorcycles years before automobiles -- as we know them -- appeared. Roper never produced his vehicles commercially. Instead, he exhibited them at circuses and fairs where crowds marveled at the self-propelled contraptions. Steamboats and steam locomotives were common, but steam-powered carriages were genuine novelties.
Artifact
Photographic print
Date Made
03 October 1934
Subject Date
circa 1865
Creators
Ford Motor Company. Engineering Photographic Department
Creator Notes
The original photographer is unidentified. This copy photographic print was made by Ford Motor Company 10-3-1934.
Keywords
Collection Title
On Exhibit
By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center
Object ID
64.167.188.P.11220
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Ford Motor Company.
Material
Paper (Fiber product)
Linen (Material)
Technique
Gelatin silver process
Color
Black-and-white (Colors)
Dimensions
Height: 7.5 in
Width: 11 in
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