Near McGregor in Clayton County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Blacksmith Shop
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, July 16, 2022
1. Blacksmith Shop Marker
John Froelich invented the very first successful gasoline powered tractor able to proplel itself backward and forward, in 1892, right here in this village named after the Froelich family. The blacksmith, William Mann, assisted with the creation of this first traction engine. Early 1893 John Froelich headed up the Waterloo Gasoline Traction Engine Company. In 1913 this company built the Waterloo Boy. John Froelich’s tractor became the forerunner of the John Deere Tractor Company.
John Froelich Nov 24, 1849 - May 23, 1933
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1892.
Location. 43° 0.424′ N, 91° 19.291′ W. Marker is near McGregor, Iowa, in Clayton County. Marker is on Froelich Rd, on the left when traveling east. marker is at the Froelich Museum off Rd X32 at US 52 River Bluffs Scenic Highway /Hiawatha Pioneer Trail. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 24397 Froelich Rd, Mc Gregor IA 52157, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. John Froelich (a few steps from this marker); The Iron Clad Store & Post Office (a few steps from this marker); The Froelich Train Depot (within shouting distance of this marker); National, Iowa Veterans Memorial
this page online
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, July 16, 2022
2. Blacksmith Shop and Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 4, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 3, 2022, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. This page has been viewed 125 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 3, 2022, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
