365 Days Of Motoring

George Washington granted U
Friday 25th April 1794 George Washington granted U.S. letters patent to John J. Staples, Jr., of New York, for what the inventor described as a “Carriage to be Propelled by the Mechanic Powers” (not steam power); text of the patent shows that the specifications were vague, invention wholly impractical.
April 25, 1794
On this day
Goldsworthy Gurney
Thursday 14th February 1793 Born on this day, Goldsworthy Gurney. Amongst many accomplishments, the Cornishman developed the oxy-hydrogen blowpipe, and later applied its principles to a novel form of illumination, the Bude light. He also developed a series of early steam-powered road vehicles; and laid claim, still discussed and disputed today, to the blastpipe, a…
February 14, 1793
Born on this day
A traffic regulation in New York City established the first street to go in one direction only, or “One Way,” as the signs said
Saturday 17th December 1791 A traffic regulation in New York City established the first street to go in one direction only, or “One Way,” as the signs said.
December 17, 1791
On this day
The Maryland House of Delegates (US) issued a patent to Oliver Evans for his high pressure steam engine
Saturday 19th May 1787 The Maryland House of Delegates (US) issued a patent to Oliver Evans for his high pressure steam engine. He continued to work on this for the next several years, envisioning both a stationary engine for industrial purposes and an engine for land and water transport. In 1801 he built in Philadelphia…
May 19, 1787
On this day
Georg Lankensperger
Wednesday 31st March 1779 Born on this day, Georg Lankensperger, the German wheelwright who invented the steering mechanism that is today known as Ackermann steering geometry. Lankensperger invented his steering mechanism in 1816 as Hofwagner (Head waggoner) in Munich, to allow the front wheels of a carriage to individually follow the natural arc of its…
March 31, 1779
Born on this day