English 
Spanish 
4 min read 
0 comments 
Abraham Lincoln is the only American president with a registered patent, relating to a device to help boats cross sandbars, highlighting his inventive spirit.
Upon hearing the name Abraham Lincoln, it is natural to think of his performance as president during the American Civil War, his fight for the abolition of slavery or his tragic death. However, few know that Lincoln holds a unique distinction: he is the only president of the United States to have a patent registered in his name.
Before becoming the 16th president, Lincoln demonstrated a deep interest in mechanical innovations, which led him to create a device to assist boats rivers to overcome sandbanks.
A surprising invention by the President of the United States
On May 22, 1849, the patent was granted No. 6.469 to Abraham Lincoln. It described a mechanism for “Pushing Vessels Over Sandbanks".
- Sound technology bends sound in space to reach only your ears — innovation could eliminate headphones
- No Overtime — Astronauts Who Spent 286 Extra Days in Space Get Just $5 Per Extra Day
- Palmas could become the first capital in Brazil to offer free internet via Starlink in public places!
- Horta Solar celebrates two years of sustainable innovation in Lisbon
The idea came from practical experience. As a young man, Lincoln sailed the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes, transporting people and goods. During these voyages, he encountered situations where his boats ran aground on sandbars—a common and dangerous problem at the time.
The patented system consisted of inflatable bellows made of “India rubber fabric or other suitable waterproof fabric“These bellows would be positioned along the hull of the boat and inflated to lift the vessel high enough to overcome underwater obstacles. An ingenious process that, despite never having been produced, highlights Lincoln's inventive side.
The Importance of Abraham Lincoln's Patent
Lincoln’s patent is more than just a technical document. According to Paul Johnston, curator of maritime history at the National Museum of American History (NMAH), the wooden model that Lincoln submitted to the Patent Office is one of the six most valuable pieces in the museum’s collection. This is due both to Lincoln’s historical significance and to the rarity of his patent.
Lincoln had a clear vision of the role of technological innovation. He believed that patent law “added the fuel of interest to the fire of genius.”
His enthusiasm for the subject was not limited to words. During his time in the Illinois legislature, Lincoln was a vocal advocate for the development of water transportation and the construction of canals.
Model details and mysteries
While the design of the device is an important part of the story, it is also somewhat mysterious. William H. Herndon, Lincoln’s law partner, described Lincoln carving the model out of wood and talking enthusiastically about how it would revolutionize navigation. However, there are indications that the final model may have been made by a craftsman in Washington.
Johnston notes a curious detail: the name “Abram Lincoln” is engraved on the piece. Lincoln, known for spelling his name correctly as “Abraham“, I would hardly make such a mistake.
This fact raises the possibility that the model was commissioned. The question remains: Could this detail be an indication that Lincoln was not the direct author of the model?
Another mystery surrounds the patent application itself. Although the document accurately describes how the device worked—that by turning shafts, the floating chambers would be forced down and inflated with air—Lincoln's signature is absent.
It is believed that in the early 20th century, an autograph collector removed the original signature, turning the document into a historical enigma.
A practical project?
Despite Lincoln's enthusiasm, the invention was never tested. According to Johnston, the reason may have been the complexity of the mechanism.
It would have taken considerable effort to inflate the chambers two feet deep in water. Still, Johnston believes that while the device might have worked, Lincoln's talent was destined for other accomplishments.
Lincoln's involvement with inventions and patents also reflects his personal traits. His business partner Herndon noted that Lincoln had a natural inclination toward mechanical devices, probably inherited from his father, who also had technical skills. This curiosity to understand how things worked followed Lincoln throughout his life, even as his career took on higher directions.
A unique legacy
While his invention did not bring about the revolution in navigation that he envisioned, the fact that Abraham Lincoln was the only US president to hold a patent adds a fascinating layer to his legacy.
His interest in innovation and his appreciation of patent laws show a lesser-known but equally relevant side of his personality.
The wooden model, kept at the National Museum of American History, remains a symbol of this inventive facet.
A reminder that before he was the president who changed the course of American history, Lincoln was a man driven by curiosity, ingenuity and a desire to find practical solutions to the challenges of his time.
With information smithsonianmag.
