State Historical Society of Iowa

Froelich Tractor in Iowa and South Dakota, 1892

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Courtesy of Froelich Foundation and Museum, "Froelich Tractor Photos, Langford, South Dakota, and Froelich, Iowa," 1892

Description

These photographs show the Froelich Tractor in Iowa and South Dakota in 1892. The tractor was created by John Froelich, an American inventor who lived in Froelich, Iowa, a small village in northeast Iowa. His invention, shown in the photos, was the first stable gasoline/petrol-powered tractor with forward and reverse gears.

Source-Dependent Questions

  • This was the first stable gasoline/petrol-powered tractor with forward and reverse gears, invented in 1892. How did John Froelich's invention and business match the needs of farmers during this time period? How does his invention continue to impact farmers?
  • How would this invention revolutionize farming both inside and outside of Iowa? Use details from the photos to support your response.

Citation Information 

"Froelich Tractor Photos, Langford, South Dakota, and Froelich, Iowa," 1892. Courtesy of Froelich Foundation and Museum