Lansing in Ingham County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Elijah McCoy 1843-1929

Elijah McCoy Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Rieske, May 26, 2017

1. Elijah McCoy Marker

Inscription.
Born in Canada to parents who had once been enslaved in Kentucky, Elijah McCoy studied engineering in Scotland. He settled in Ypsilanti after the Civil War, intending to work as a mechanical engineer. Although discrimination limited him to the position of railroad fireman, it failed to dampen his curiosity or his creativity.

McCoy developed an automatic lubricating device for locomotives that saved both time and money by oiling the engine as it operated. It was the first of more than 50 patents he was awarded. His lubricators were used internationally on trains, boats and in factories. Among the other devices McCoy patented were a folding laundry table and a lawn sprinkler.

Erected 2007.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Walk of Fame series list.

Location. 42° 44.148′ N, 84° 33.124′ W. Marker is in Lansing, Michigan, in Ingham County. Marker can be reached from North Washington Square, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 200 block North Washington Square – east side, Lansing MI 48933, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker

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. William Crapo “Billy” Durant 1861-1947 (a few steps from this marker); Walter Reuther 1907-1970 (a few steps from this marker); Muzyad Yahkoob “Danny Thomas” (a few steps from this marker); Gordie Howe (within shouting distance of this marker); Eero Saarinen (within shouting distance of this marker); Jonas Salk (within shouting distance of this marker); Drs. Pearl Kendrick and Grace Eldering (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mack-e-te-be-nessy “Andrew J. Blackbird” c. 1815-1908 (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lansing.

Regarding Elijah McCoy 1843-1929. McCoy’s inventions were so popular with industrialists, that when inquiring about a device, they always wanted to be sure that it was the "real McCoy."

Also see . . . Elijah McCoy, from Wikipedia. (Submitted on June 15, 2017, by Bill Rieske of Lansing, Michigan.)

Additional keywords. Inventor

Credits. This page was last revised on December 19, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 26, 2017, by Bill Rieske of Lansing, Michigan. This page has been viewed 268 times since then and 14 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on May 26, 2017, by Bill Rieske of Lansing, Michigan. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.