Cyrus McCormick (1809–1884), a Virginia-native, in 1834 patented his horse-drawn mechanical grain reaper, a landmark invention in the mechanization of agriculture. A model of the reaper is found on the floor at McCormick’s feet. In 1847 McCormick established his namesake firm (later called International Harvester) in Chicago and outpaced dozens of competing firms by embracing several innovative business practices—including mass production, creative advertising, traveling salesmen paid on commission, public sales demonstrations, warranties, and consumer financing. This video is featured in the "Men of Progress" section of the American Enterprise exhibition at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. (The video does not include an audio track). Teachers, parents, educators! Check out our resources to use these videos in the classroom here: https://historyexplorer.si.edu/resource/men-progress-video-series Section link: americanhistory.si.edu/american-enterprise-exhibition/videos/men-progress Exhibition link: americanhistory.si.edu/american-enterprise
