Thomas Blanchard (inventor)

Thomas Blanchard
Thomas Blanchard
BornJune 24, 1788
Sutton, Massachusetts
DiedApril 16, 1864(1864-04-16) (aged 75)
Springfield, Massachusetts
NationalityAmerican
Occupationinventor
Thomas Blanchard in his later years

Thomas Blanchard (June 24, 1788 – April 16, 1864) was an American inventor who lived much of his life in Springfield, Massachusetts, where in 1819, he pioneered the assembly line style of mass production in America, and also invented the first machining lathe for interchangeable parts. Blanchard worked, for much of his career, with the Springfield Armory. In 1825, Blanchard also invented America's first car, which he called a "horseless carriage," powered by steam.[1] During Blanchard's lifetime, he was awarded over twenty-five patents for his creations.[2][3]

  1. ^ "Chronology".
  2. ^ Goddard 2008, p. 71.
  3. ^ New York Times 1864.