Corliss Steam Engine, 1859

01

Artifact Overview

George Corliss was one of the United States' most highly regarded steam engine designers. His valve innovations made his engines particularly important to the textile industry--where a combination of high power output and quick response to changes in load were greatly valued. He designed many of the machines used to manufacture his engines and was a pioneer in standardized manufacturing techniques.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Steam engine (Engine)

Date Made

1859

Creator Notes

Designed by George H. Corliss and manufactured by Corliss Steam Engine Company in Providence, Rhode Island.

Location

at Henry Ford Museum in Made in America

Object ID

29.403.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Iron (Metal)
Steel (Alloy)
Brass (Alloy)
Wood (Plant material)

Dimensions

Width: 12 ft
Diameter: 24 in (Bore)
Height: 24 ft
Length: 38 ft
Length: 60 in (Stroke)
Horsepower: 500 hp (372.85 kW)

Inscriptions

builder's plate: CORLISS STEAM ENGINE CO. / BUILDERS. / PROVIDENCE R.I. / GEO. H. CORLISS' PATENTS, / MARCH 10 1849 REISSUED JULY 12 1859. / JUNE 10 1851. SEPT 8 1857. JULY 5 1859.
Corliss Steam Engine, 1859