The great American automotive pioneers were entrepreneurial inventors and visionaries who changed the American landscape and brought us a new national culture. The dawn of the automobile ushered away the ubiquitous horse-drawn carriages and the rutted, dusty and wash-boarded dirt roads they traveled on, and replaced them with cars powered by steam, electricity and gasoline. These pioneers lifted the veil of isolation that enveloped most pre-twentieth century Americans and made it possible for the average person to travel whenever and wherever he or she pleased. Automobiles changed the concept of transportation and more so, how and where we lived, worked and played.
Many lessons can be drawn from these pioneers and the fascinating lives they led. Some became fabulously wealthy; others died in obscurity. But they developed America’s largest industry in the space of one generation and demonstrated the skills and characteristics necessary to achieve such success. Their audacity, determination, perseverance, work-ethic, and passion were unassailable. These pioneers were undaunted by any and all obstacles in their path. Their stories are instructive and absorbing. Enjoy the ride.
The Pioneers
- David D. Buick
- Roy Chapin
- Walter Chrysler
- Horace and John Dodge
- Fred & Augie Duesenber
- William C. Durant
- Charles & Frank Duryea
- Harvey Firestone
- Fisher Bros
- Henry Ford
- Charles Goodyear
- John D. Hertz
- Charles Howard
- Henry J. Kaiser
- Charles F. Kettering
- Henry M. Leland
- Charles W. Nash
- Ransom E. Olds
- James W. Packard
- Alfred P. Sloan, Jr.
- Stanley Bros.
- John M. Studebaker
- The White Bros.
- John N. Willys
