Butler in Butler County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Invention Of The Jeep

Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, May 22, 2011

1. Invention Of The Jeep Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

In September 1940 a team headed by Karl Probst delivered to the United States Army a prototype for the World War II jeep. This small, four-wheel drive vehicle was produced by the American Bantam Car Company, located one block east. Here, Bantam manufactured 2,675 jeeps. Although larger companies ultimately received the chief wartime orders, it was Bantam—in cooperation with the Army-that originally created the jeep.

Erected 1993 by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles • War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission series list. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1940.

Location. 40° 51.246′ N, 79° 54.697′ W. Marker is in Butler, Pennsylvania, in Butler County. Marker is at the intersection of Hansen Avenue and Renaissance Drive, on the right when traveling north on Hansen Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Butler PA 16001, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles

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of this marker, measured as the crow flies. General Richard Butler (approx. 0.9 miles away); Butler County (approx. 0.9 miles away); George Edward Waddell (approx. 7.7 miles away); Major George Washington (approx. 7.8 miles away); George Washington (approx. 7.9 miles away); The Roeblings (approx. 8.4 miles away); St. Lukes Lutheran Church (approx. 8.8 miles away); Herting 1835-1860 (approx. 8.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Butler.

Also see . . . Invention of the Jeep - Behind the Marker. (Submitted on July 7, 2011, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.)

Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, May 22, 2011

2. Invention Of The Jeep Marker

A Bantam "peep car" or "jeep" negotiating rough terrain during test trials for the U.S. Army image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Unknown, 1940

3. A Bantam "peep car" or "jeep" negotiating rough terrain during test trials for the U.S. Army

After successful tests of its pilot Scout car, Bantam made some improvements, and introduced more military looking, squared-off front fenders in its Reconnaisance Car vehicles. In late 1941, Bantam stopped manufacturing jeeps after losing the Army contract to large auto makers Willys and Ford. U.S. Army Transportation Museum

The first "Jeep" vehicles manufactured by the Bantam Motor Car Company image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Unknown, 1940

4. The first "Jeep" vehicles manufactured by the Bantam Motor Car Company

After receiving its first Army contract, Bantam hand-built sixty-nine BRC-60s (the Mark II)–seventy, including the pilot: forty for the Infantry, twenty for the Cavalry, and ten for the Field Artillery. United States Army

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on May 22, 2011, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,703 times since then and 232 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 22, 2011, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 3, 4. submitted on July 27, 2011, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.