Cyrus McCormic
Cyrus Hall McCormick, inventor of the mechanized reaper that revolutionized American agricultural production, was born at Walnut Grove Farm, in sight of the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains.On this farm Cyrus' father experimented with a grain-harvesting machine, and it was here, in a log and stone blacksmith shop, that the 22 year old Cyrus designed and built the first successful horse-drawn, mechanical reaper in 1831.McCormick's invention encouraged westward expansion because it helped farmers harvest their grain with very little manpower, and it encouraged American industry by producing cheaper food for factory workers.
The famous workshop, along with the farm's gristmill, and McCormick family home have been restored and recognized as a National Historic Landmark. The 634 acre farm is owned by the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and used as an agricultural research center.The earliest known reaper using animal power was described by Pliny the Elder as used in Gaul. It was pushed by an ox and consisted of a box on two wheels with a comb projecting from the front of the box. The heads of the grain were torn off by the comb and fell into the box. Modern attempts to make reaping machines began in England, where the first patent was issued (1799).The grain cut by this reaper fell on a platform, from which it was raked by a person walking beside the machine. A number of improved reapers were developed later. The combine, which threshes the grain as it is reaped, has virtually replaced the reaper, although a self-raking type is still in limited use. The mower, used for cutting hay, was developed from the reaper in the 19th cent.
The famous workshop, along with the farm's gristmill, and McCormick family home have been restored and recognized as a National Historic Landmark. The 634 acre farm is owned by the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and used as an agricultural research center.The earliest known reaper using animal power was described by Pliny the Elder as used in Gaul. It was pushed by an ox and consisted of a box on two wheels with a comb projecting from the front of the box. The heads of the grain were torn off by the comb and fell into the box. Modern attempts to make reaping machines began in England, where the first patent was issued (1799).The grain cut by this reaper fell on a platform, from which it was raked by a person walking beside the machine. A number of improved reapers were developed later. The combine, which threshes the grain as it is reaped, has virtually replaced the reaper, although a self-raking type is still in limited use. The mower, used for cutting hay, was developed from the reaper in the 19th cent.