Peter Cooper

Peter Cooper cartoon

Steel Chair Designed by Peter Cooper

Peter Cooper spanking Ed Cooper (1879 political cartoon)

Sarah Cooper b1793

Peter Cooper daguerreotype

Peter Cooper (February 12, 1791 – April 4, 1883) was an American industrialist, inventor, philanthropist, and politician. He is best remembered for designing and building the first American steam-powered locomotive, the Tom Thumb, and for founding the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art in New York City.

Early Life

Peter Cooper was born in New York City to a Methodist family of Dutch, English, and Huguenot descent. His formal education was limited; he left school at the age of 17 to learn the trade of coach making. Despite his lack of formal education, Cooper had a natural aptitude for mechanics and invention.

Career

In 1821, Cooper purchased a glue factory in Kips Bay, where he developed a process for manufacturing glue from the scraps of the city's slaughterhouses. This venture proved to be highly successful, and the profits allowed him to invest in other industries, including ironworks. In 1830, he established the Canton Iron Works in Baltimore, Maryland, where he produced the first American steam locomotive, the Tom Thumb, in 1830. Although the Tom Thumb lost a famous race against a horse-drawn carriage due to mechanical failure, it demonstrated the potential of steam-powered rail transport in the United States.

Beyond his industrial achievements, Cooper was deeply committed to social causes. He was a strong advocate for the abolition of slavery and a supporter of the Union cause during the Civil War. In 1859, he founded the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, offering free education in engineering, architecture, and fine arts. The institution was based on his belief that education should be "as free as water and air" and remains operational to this day, maintaining its policy of granting full scholarships to all its students.

Political Career

Cooper's interest in public affairs led him to run for office. In 1876, he was nominated by the Greenback Party as their candidate for President of the United States. Although he did not win, his campaign brought attention to issues such as currency reform and the rights of labor.

Legacy

Peter Cooper's legacy is marked by his contributions to American industry, education, and politics. The Cooper Union continues to be a leading institution in the fields of engineering, art, and architecture, embodying his vision of accessible education for all. The Tom Thumb locomotive symbolizes the dawn of the American industrial age and Cooper's innovative spirit.

Death

Peter Cooper passed away on April 4, 1883, in New York City. His life and work left an indelible mark on American society, influencing generations of engineers, inventors, and philanthropists.