View of Early Holt Steam Caterpillar Tractor, circa 1900

Summary

American inventor and entrepreneur Benjamin Holt envisioned a practical mechanical alternative to horse-drawn machinery. He designed a continuous track propulsion system - seen on this early model - for the steam traction engine. Holt's company, driven by these innovative "caterpillar" treads, became an industry leader and eventually evolved into the hugely successful Caterpillar manufacturing corporation.

American inventor and entrepreneur Benjamin Holt envisioned a practical mechanical alternative to horse-drawn machinery. He designed a continuous track propulsion system - seen on this early model - for the steam traction engine. Holt's company, driven by these innovative "caterpillar" treads, became an industry leader and eventually evolved into the hugely successful Caterpillar manufacturing corporation.

Artifact

Photographic print

Subject Date

circa 1900

Creators

Unknown

 On Exhibit

By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center

Object ID

80.130.9

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Paper (Fiber product)

Technique

Gelatin silver process

Color

Black-and-white (Colors)

Dimensions

Height: 7 in

Width: 9.75 in

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