Illustration courtesy of Wisconsin Historical Society
The advent of the McCormick Reaper in the early 19th century stands as a significant milestone in agricultural history. Before the reaper's invention, harvesting was laborious work that required many hands and long hours, often yielding modest results.
Cyrus McCormick's mechanical reaper transformed the harvesting process by introducing a device that could do the work of several laborers and complete it more efficiently, thus having a profound impact on farming efficiency.
This simple machine revolutionized harvesting and ushered in the age of agricultural machinery.
Our exploration will not just focus on the mechanical genius of the reaper but also on its broader implications. For instance, how it enabled farmers to withstand challenges such as labor shortages, which was particularly relevant during the massive population shifts and urbanization of the period.
Thus, its invention holds significant importance in the history of agricultural machinery. One of the most prominent ones, indeed.
Origins of the McCormick Reaper
In the early 19th century, the agriculture industry witnessed a significant transformation with the invention of the mechanical reaper by Cyrus McCormick. This machine was destined to boost the efficiency of grain harvesting and set the stage for future agricultural innovation.
Did you know: When he successfully developed the first practical mechanical reaper for harvesting grain in 1831, Cyrus was only 22 years old as a blacksmith from Virginia. He received a limited education from local schools. However, he was reserved, determined, and serious-minded, dedicating all his time to his father's workshop.
Design and Development
McCormick's father Robert had previously attempted to create a mechanical device for harvesting but eventually gave up on it. However, in the summer of 1831, the son, Cyrus, assumed the task and worked tirelessly for approximately six weeks.
Cyrus McCormick's vision materialized in a Virginia blacksmith shop, where he brought his mechanical reaper to life. Merging ingenuity with practical design, his reaper featured essential components like a vibrating cutting blade and a reel to draw the grain within the cutting range.
A simple sketch of McCormick Reaper
Our understanding of agricultural machinery was forever changed with the mechanization of the reaping process, which previously relied on manual labor and hand tools. The reaper, resembling a two-wheeled, horse-drawn chariot, allowed for quicker and more efficient grain harvesting.
Patenting and Early Challenges
Though successful in his design, McCormick faced obstacles in obtaining a patent. With several implements already tried and failed by both his father and other inventors, McCormick knew he needed something robust to prevail. In the face of these challenges, McCormick secured a patent for his reaper in 1834.
"The patent". (Image from Wisconsin Historical Society)
Despite the achievement, competition soon emerged as another inventor named Obed Hussey had also patented a reaper one year prior, leading to a burgeoning rivalry in the agricultural industry. (A comprehensive article on their patent wars can be read here.)
Hussey secured the initial patent in 1833; however, McCormick's reaper offered distinct benefits including a divider for separating harvested and standing grain, along with a rotating reel designed to deposit the harvested grain at the rear of the machine. This facilitated easy raking onto the ground for subsequent tying.
In 1834, McCormick secured a patent, although his primary focus then lay with the family's iron foundry. However, after the foundry faced financial collapse in the aftermath of the bank panic of 1837, leaving the family burdened with debt, McCormick redirected his attention to his as-yet-unrealized reaper invention. By 1841, he had sold two reapers, followed by seven in 1842, 29 in 1843, and 50 the subsequent year.
Robert McCormick's Role
The contributions of Robert McCormick, Cyrus's father, were integral during the conception phase of the mechanical reaper. While Robert himself had attempted to create a reaping machine and did not succeed, his initial forays and establishment of a blacksmith shop in Virginia created the groundwork required for Cyrus's radical invention.
Thank God Cyrus did not find a supernatural board game near the blacksmith shop that sucked him into the jungle. That would be unlucky for all farmers of 19th century. (Image from Jumanji Movie, 1995)
It is clear that Robert's pivotal role in aligning his son's revolutionary endeavors significantly contributed to the transition of farming into a new, mechanized era.
Impact on Agriculture and Farming
The advent of the McCormick Reaper had profound effects on agriculture, particularly by revolutionizing the way we harvest grain. This pivotal invention not only transformed harvest techniques but also had lasting impacts on labor economics and the expansion of farming territories.
McCormick's initial horse-drawn reapers cut grain, which fell onto a platform for manual raking by a person walking alongside. With subsequent models, McCormick integrated practical enhancements. By the late 19th century, McCormick reapers evolved to not only cut wheat but also thresh it and deposit it into sacks, streamlining the grain's storage or shipment.
Changes in Harvest Techniques
Before the reaper, we primarily relied on the sickle and scythe to cut grain — a laborious and time-intensive process. The introduction of the mechanical reaper dramatically increased our harvesting efficiency. It enabled farmers to reap crops far more quickly, paving the way for today's advanced mechanical harvesters.
It requires refinement over time, yet it still surpasses the sickle and scythe of its era. (Image from britannica.com)
Effects on Labor and Economy
The mechanical reaper significantly reduced the amount of labor required to harvest grain. This shift saw a decline in the demand for farmhands during harvest season, subsequently changing rural employment patterns.
A single farmer, proficient in wielding a scythe, may only manage to harvest two acres of grain in a day. Utilizing a reaper, a single individual with a horse could efficiently harvest large expanses of fields (spanning hundreds or even thousands of acres) within a day. (Image from britannica.com)
Moreover, this efficiency allowed us to invest in additional agricultural output, which in turn boosted the economy, particularly in the United States. Farmers who were able to harvest more crops simply planted larger areas from then on.
Expansion of Farming Territories
By increasing harvesting efficiency, the McCormick Reaper facilitated the cultivation of larger plots of land. This expanded the farming territories, enabling farmers to supply burgeoning urban populations with sufficient food.
McCormick Harvesting Machine Company Ad from 1887 (Image from Wisconsin Historical Society)
The reaper's role in our ability to harvest more effectively cannot be overstated—it was a key driver behind American agricultural expansion in the 19th century.
Important Note: McCormick's reaper potentially influenced the course of the Civil War, particularly due to their prevalence in the North. This widespread adoption meant that farm laborers departing for military service had less of an impact on grain production. Conversely, in the South where manual tools were predominant, the loss of farm labor to military service had a considerably greater impact on agricultural productivity.
Manufacturing and Business Expansion
As we examine the McCormick Reaper's history, our focus on the aspects of manufacturing and business expansion reveals a tale of innovation and savvy business strategies that propelled the reaper to worldwide success. A tale of one of the wealthiest families in United States, actually...
McCormick Harvesting Machine Company
The legacy of the McCormick Harvesting Machine Company begins with Cyrus McCormick taking the bold step of moving production to Chicago in 1847 to access the growing midwestern markets. During that period, Chicago was a small town boasting a population of just 20,000 residents. It was here that they established a factory that by the 1850s would produce over 4,000 reapers each year. Their production techniques evolved alongside technology, setting a standard in agricultural manufacturing.
He partnered with the city's first mayor, William Ogden, who also built the city’s first railroad, the Galena & Chicago Union. Subsequently, McCormick acquired Ogden's stake in the business. (Image from Wisconsin Historical Society)
Under the leadership of Cyrus McCormick and subsequent generations of the McCormick family, the company expanded its operations and product offerings, consistently introducing advancements in farm machinery. By the late 19th century, the McCormick Harvester Company had established itself as a leading manufacturer of harvesting equipment, renowned for its reliability, efficiency, and innovation.
McCormick Reaper Works at 1873. Upon its inauguration in 1873, the facility stood as the epitome of size and advancement. It boasted five-story brick buildings and a 300-horsepower steam engine. Over time, the original 23-acre complex burgeoned into a colossal facility sprawling across more than 150 acres.
(Image from Wisconsin Historical Society)
The triumph of the operation in Chicago drew the attention of other farm implement manufacturers to the city, including William Deering. He subsequently established a vast reaper works of his own along the north branch of the Chicago River. In 1902, Deering merged his company with McCormick and several other competitors, culminating in the formation of the International Harvester Co.
During the 20th century, International Harvester Company (IH) was one of the largest and most influential manufacturers of agricultural equipment and vehicles in the world. (Image of International Harvester plant, 1911)
During the early 1900s, engineers at International Harvester embarked on experiments involving internal combustion engines. In 1908, the company introduced its initial line of tractors. By the end of 1920s, International Harvester emerged as a dominant force in the tractor industry, manufacturing 60 percent of the tractors built in the United States. Among its renowned brands were the popular Farmall and McCormick-Deering lines.
During World War II, the McCormick Works also played a crucial role by assembling thousands of aerial torpedoes for the U.S. Navy. (Photo courtesy Wisconsin Historical Society)
Today, the legacy of IH lives on as part of the Case IH division of CNH Industrial, which was acquired by the predecessor of Stellantis in 1999. Additionally, the McCormick name was revived in 2000 for a popular line of farm tractors, now manufactured by an Italian company called ARGO.
The IH tractors and implements, once produced in the company's vast Chicago factories, are now highly coveted by collectors, showcasing the enduring impact and historical significance of International Harvester in the agricultural machinery industry. (Image from Benton News)
Marketing and Sales Strategies
McCormick's approach to sales and advertising was as innovative as their reapers. To differentiate themselves, they employed unique strategies such as live field demonstrations, which became a cornerstone of agricultural marketing.
Some of McCormick Reaper Ads from the beginning of 20th century.
Moreover, an extensive network of sales representatives and agencies enabled them to maintain close relationships with farmers, contributing to a robust sales infrastructure. In order to boost sales, Cyrus McCormick implemented strategies like mass production, advertising, public demonstrations, product warranties, and offering credit extensions to customers.
Painting by N.C. Wyeth depicting the public demonstration of the first reaper by Cyrus Hall McCormick. (The painting was commissioned by the International Harvester Company for the reaper centennial in 1931. The original painting was destroyed in a fire.)
Consequently, the factory expanded and the company established a mobile sales team. By 1850, the McCormick reaper had gained recognition across the United States, and it was introduced to European farmers at the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London where the reaper achieved the Grand Prize. In 1855, it secured the prestigious Grand Medal of Honor at the Paris International Exposition. This marked the beginning of a succession of awards and honors that elevated the McCormick reaper's reputation among farmers worldwide.
Medals and accolades were received at many international expositions, starting with the gold medal from the American Institute in 1845. This list encompasses recognitions from the London Expositions of 1851 and 1862, the Paris Fairs of 1855, 1867, 1878, and 1889, as well as the Philadelphia Exposition of 1876.
(Image from World's Columbian Exposition of 1893)
International Growth and Expositions
Eventually, Cyrus McCormick's reaper extended beyond American soil, with making a notable international debut at the London Great Exhibition of 1851. This exposure was a springboard for international growth, leading it to become a significant presence in global agricultural markets. The McCormick reaper's acclaim at international expositions underlined their status as an industry leader.
During these years, Cyrus McCormick became a legend too. In 1858, during his marriage to Nancy (Nettie) Fowler, the Chicago Daily Press hailed him as the "massive Thor of industry." (Image of The Century of the Reaper book, 1931)
Legacy and Modern Perspectives
In the annals of agricultural history, the McCormick reaper stands out for its pivotal role in transforming farming practices. The reaper evolved into the machinery we recognize today and assess McCormick's indelible mark on history.
Evolution into Modern Machinery
Initially, the McCormick reaper simplified the process of cutting down wheat, necessitating fewer laborers and increasing efficiency. This invention sparked a series of innovations that led to the modern combines seen in fields today across the globe.
Not bad for 200 years of innovation, don't you think?
Companies like International Harvester Co, which Cyrus McCormick helped to establish, continued to refine and advance these technologies, contributing significantly to our current lineup of sophisticated agricultural machinery. Today's equipment, encompassing brands like John Deere or Case IH, integrates complex features such as GPS and data analytics, echoing the mechanization surge that began during the Industrial Revolution.
Grandsons of McCormick’s Reaper: Modern Harvesters
Today's modern harvesters represent the pinnacle of agricultural innovation, building upon the legacy of the McCormick Reaper's revolutionary design. These sophisticated machines integrate cutting-edge technology to streamline the harvesting process and maximize efficiency.
Modern combine harvesters are capable of harvesting several acres of grain per hour, with harvesting rates ranging from 5 to 10 acres per hour on average, depending on crop conditions and machine specifications.
Modern harvesters feature advanced automation systems that enable precise control over cutting, threshing, and sorting functions. They are equipped with GPS navigation and mapping capabilities, allowing farmers to optimize field coverage and minimize overlap. Additionally, they often incorporate sensors and imaging technology to assess crop health and yield in real-time, empowering farmers to make data-driven decisions.
The global combine harvester market size was valued at over $6 billion in 2020 and is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 4% from 2021 to 2028. According to estimates, the global production of combine harvesters ranges from 35,000 to 40,000 units per year.
Furthermore, contemporary harvesters prioritize operator comfort and safety with ergonomic cabins equipped with climate control, ergonomic seating, and noise reduction features. Many models also offer integrated diagnostic systems to monitor equipment performance and identify potential issues before they escalate.
McCormick's Place in History
Cyrus McCormick's invention is a cornerstone of US History, demonstrating how one innovation can catalyze sweeping socioeconomic changes. The reaper allowed farms to increase output and is credited with bolstering the food supply, which was critical as the nation grew.
Starting from Cyrus McCormick's reaper, The McCormicks rose to prominence as one of the wealthiest families in America. Their name became synonymous with agriculture, particularly in the 19th and 20th century, leading the press to coin the term "Reaper Kings" for the family. (Image from Allen Collection, Berthoud Historical Society)
Over time, this agricultural leap transformed rural landscapes and economies, solidifying the legacy of the McCormick family within the vast tapestry of the Industrial Revolution.
Conclusion
The McCormick Reaper, therefore, was not just a tool but also a harbinger of modernity, symbolizing a change in not just how we worked the land, but also how we thought about productivity, innovation, and progress in the agricultural sector. It played a pivotal role in agricultural development, especially in the grain-growing regions of the United States, changing the face of harvesting and contributing to the prosperity and expansion of American agriculture.
As we reflect on its legacy, we acknowledge the enduring significance of the McCormick Reaper as a catalyst for progress in agriculture and beyond.
