James Bogardus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Bogardus
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Newspaper photograph
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| Born | March 14, 1800 Catskill, New York, U.S.
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| Died | April 13, 1874 (aged 74) New York City, New York, U.S.
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| Known for | Cast-iron |
| Spouse(s) | Margaret MacClay |
James Bogardus (born March 14, 1800 – died April 13, 1874) was a clever American inventor and architect. He was a pioneer in using cast-iron to build parts of buildings, especially their fronts. He even got a patent for his ideas in 1850.
Contents
Early Life and Learning
James Bogardus was born in Catskill, New York, on March 14, 1800. When he was just fourteen years old, Bogardus left school. He began training to become a watchmaker. This early training helped him learn about machines and how things work.
Amazing Inventions and Designs
Bogardus was very creative and invented many useful machines.
Early Inventions
In 1828, he created a special cotton-spinning machine called a ring flier. A few years later, in 1831, he invented a machine that could engrave things automatically. This machine was used to engrave designs for bank notes. In 1832, he also invented the eccentric mill. This machine is still used today for making ball bearings very smooth. It can also be used for grinding lenses.
Pioneering Cast-Iron Architecture
James Bogardus is most famous for his work with cast-iron buildings. He was the first person in America to use cast-iron to build the outside walls of buildings. He even put special plaques on his buildings that said: "James Bogardus Originator & Patentee of Iron Buildings Pat' May 7, 1850."
For about twenty years, Bogardus showed how strong and useful cast-iron could be for building fronts. Many of his projects were in New York City. He also built three cast-iron structures in Washington, D.C., in 1851. These were the first buildings of their kind in the capital city. Bogardus's success with cast-iron exteriors from 1850 to 1880 helped lead to the use of steel-frame construction for entire buildings later on.
Personal Life
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In 1831, James Bogardus married Margaret MacClay (1803–1878). Margaret was also an artist. Two of her small portrait paintings can be seen in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. James Bogardus passed away in New York City when he was 74 years old. He is buried at Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York.
Lasting Legacy
Today, a small park in TriBeCa, a neighborhood in New York City, is named after him. This park is called James Bogardus Triangle. It is located where Chambers Street, Hudson Street, and West Broadway meet.
Notable Bogardus Buildings
Here are some buildings that James Bogardus designed or helped build:
- 63 Nassau Street
- 254 Canal Street
- 75 Murray Street
- 85 Leonard Street
- Iron Clad Building, Cooperstown, New York (92 Main St, Cooperstown, NY)
See also
In Spanish: James Bogardus para niños
