Springfield in Hampden County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
Home of the Duryea Automobile
Springfield, Massachusetts
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 5, 2019
1. Home of the Duryea Automobile Marker
The Duryea brothers, Charles and Frank, developed the first successful gasoline-powered car in 1894, right here in Springfield. The second Duryea prototype, the 1895 Duryea, was built on this site. This automobile became known simply as the "1895 Chicago Car" after it won the Chicago Thanksgiving Day "Times Herald" race, November 28, 1895.
On May 30, 1896, Cosmopolitan Magazine sponsored a race from New York City Hall to Ardsley-on-the-Hudson and back. The 1896 Duryea, with J. Frank Duryea at the tiller, took first place ahead of a field of almost a dozen automobiles.
In June 1896, the Barnum & Bailey Circus took loan of one of the Duryea production automobiles to be exhibited in their "Greatest Show on Earth."
By the fall of the same year, J. Frank Duryea modified the prototype, improving the suspension system, transmission, and carriage works. On November 14, 1896, he participated in the original "London-to-Brighton Run" in England where he won handily, reaching Brighton more than an hour ahead of the second-place car.
The 1897 Duryea was the first vehicle to be introduced in the fall before the actual model year, a practice still used today. This new model was also the first Duryea to be offered as a delivery wagon, doctor's buggy, and a speedster.
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Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical date for this entry is November 28, 1895.
Location. 42° 6.303′ N, 72° 35.539′ W. Marker is in Springfield, Massachusetts, in Hampden County. Marker can be reached from Taylor Street south of Kaynor Street, on the left when traveling south. Marker is located near the west end of "Duryea Way," a park-like pedestrian walkway between Taylor Street and Washington Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 51 Taylor Street, Springfield MA 01103, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Springfield Steam Power Company Block (a few steps from this marker); Stacy Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Wells and Bicycle Blocks (within shouting distance of this marker); Board of Trade Block (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Trinity Block (about 500 feet away); Stearns Building (about 500 feet away); Fuller Block (about 600 feet away); Morgan Block (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Springfield.
Also see . . .
1. Duryea Motor Wagon Company (Wikipedia). Founded by Charles Duryea and his brother
2. Marker detail: The Duryea brothers, Charles and Frank
2. The 1896 Duryea • America's first production Automobile. In the summer of 1895, sufficient capital was attracted to form the Duryea Motor Wagon Company in which both brothers were among the stockholders and directors. After formation of the company, the second automobile was entered by the company in the Chicago Times-Herald automobile race on Thanksgiving Day, where Frank Duryea as driver won a victory. During next year Frank, as engineer in charge of design and construction, completed the plans begun earlier for a more powerful automobile. (Submitted on July 14, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
3. Marker detail: 1896 Duryea • J. Frank Duryea at the tiller
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 5, 2019
4. Home of the Duryea Automobile Marker
(wide view • located at west end of Duryea Way)
(wide view • located at west end of Duryea Way)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 5, 2019
5. 1895 Duryea Sculpture (located near marker • Stacy Building in background)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 5, 2019
6. 1895 Duryea Plaque
(mounted on ground in front of sculpture)
(mounted on ground in front of sculpture)
It was the first practical gasoline-powered automobile constructed in America and went on the country’s first motor sport event on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 1895.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 8, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 13, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 700 times since then and 84 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 14, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
