Benjamin Bradley Bought His Own Freedom by Inventing a High Powered Steam Engine
Benjamin Bradley was an innovative inventor in the field of steam engines. Born into slavery in Maryland in the mid-19th century, he faced limited access to education but taught himself engineering. Despite being a slave and unable to legally patent his inventions, Bradley sold his high-powered steam engine. This earned enough money to buy his own freedom! The steam engine’s high power output and efficiency made it a popular choice for use in ships, locomotives, and other large machinery. Bradley did not stop there; he continued to improve upon his design and was eventually granted several patents for his work.