Archives Center, National Museum of American History
George Eli Whitney Papers
Whitney, George Eli, 1862-1963 (engineer)
National Museum of American History (U.S.). Division of Transportation
NMAH.AC.0463
Archival Resource Key
0.5 Cubic feet
1 box
1898-1957
The papers of inventor and engineer George Eli Whitney.
English
.
Arrangement
Collection is arranged into one series.
Scope and Contents
Correspondence includes handwritten letters to John H. Bacon from Whitney. Bacon apparently undertook the task of collecting documentation of Whitney's career in the 1950s. Another 30 letters involve former associates of Whitney's, particularly Nathaniel Henry Cooledge (known as "Oliver") who was associated with Whitney as his trusted foreman and assistant for 50 years and Capt. Ted Middleton. Also included are agreements, contracts and patents concerning Whitney's inventions as well as newsclippings, photoprints, etc. A lengthy questionnaire prepared by John H. Bacon was filled out by Whitney in 1955 giving information on his major inventions and projects as well as his personal life.
Preferred Citation
George Eli Whitney Papers, 1898-1957, Archives Center, National Museum of American History.
Conditions Governing Use
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
Biographical / Historical
Whitney (1862-1963) was an engineer and inventor who developed many applications of steam power, including bicycles, cars, and boats from 1890s-1930s. The Locomobile Company, of which Whitney was chief engineer, produced several thousand steam cars around the turn of the century. During WWI, Whitney designed the compound steam engine which powered about 300 U.S. Navy anti submarine ships. Whitney was the recipient of about 150 patents on his inventions, a number of which he sold rights to.
Processing Information
Processed by Don Darroch, volunteer, 9/3/92.
Custodial History
Papers were "left for study" by Edward Bacon on September 30, 1991. Transferred from the Division of Transportation (now the Division of Work and Industry) to the Archives Center in August, 1992.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Collection donated by Edward Bacon, October 31, 1992.
Conditions Governing Access
Collection is open for research.
Patents -- 20th century
Photographs -- Black-and-white photoprints -- 1900-1950
Correspondence -- 1880-1950
Clippings -- 1890-1960
Inventors -- 1890-1960
Inventors -- 20th century
Inventions -- 20th century
Bacon, John H.
Cooledge, Nathaniel Henry
Locomobile Company
National Museum of American History (U.S.). Division of Transportation
George E. Whitney replies to John H. Bacon Questionnaire
Archival Resource Key
1955-10-25 - 1955-10-25
1
1
George W. Whitney letters to John H. Bacon
Archival Resource Key
unspecified
1955-09-16 - 1957-11-22
1
2
Letters to George E. Whitney
Archival Resource Key
1913 - 1957
1
3
Nathaniel Henry Cooledge ("Oliver") letters to J.H. Bacon
Archival Resource Key
1956-03-06 - 1957-01-23
1
4
Letters to John H. Bacon from several correspondents
Archival Resource Key
1955 - 1957
1
5
Correspondence and photographs, Long tricycle
Archival Resource Key
1947 - 1947
1
6
Newspaper clippings
Archival Resource Key
1955, 1957, undated
1
7
Letters regarding Whitney patents and other business
Archival Resource Key
1902 - 1907
1
8
George E. Whitney patents and contracts
Archival Resource Key
1898 - 1932
1
9
Photographs
Archival Resource Key
undated
1
10
George Eli Whitney to Capt. Ted Middleton
Archival Resource Key
1948
1
11
George Eli Whitney to Capt. Ted Middleton
Archival Resource Key
1949
1
12
George Eli Whitney to Capt. Ted Middleton
Archival Resource Key
1950
1
13
George Eli Whitney to Capt. Ted Middleton
Archival Resource Key
1951
1
14
George Eli Whitney to Capt. Ted Middleton
Archival Resource Key
1953
1
15
George Eli Whitney to Capt. Ted Middleton
Archival Resource Key
1954
1
16
George Eli Whitney to Capt. Ted Middleton
Archival Resource Key
1955
1
17
George Eli Whitney to Capt. Ted Middleton
Archival Resource Key
1956
1
18
George Eli Whitney to Capt. Ted Middleton
Archival Resource Key
1957
1
19
George Eli Whitney to Capt. Ted Middleton
Archival Resource Key
1966-19667
1
20
Miscellaneous
Archival Resource Key
1949-1953
1
21