Great Inventions That Came From Wyoming

The old saying is that necessity is the mother of invention. Well, many of the best inventions that have come from Wyoming were because of exactly that reason.

Wyoming's citizens have created military essentials that have helped outfit the frontier and modern aviation. Here are a few of the most notable inventions according to the Wyoming State Library. 

The Cartridge Belt: In 1867, U.S. Army Officer Anson Mills patented the first improved cartridge belt (Patent No. 67,898) while stationed at Fort Bridger. He designed it to be lighter, less bulky, and more comfortable than the standard ammunition pouches of the time.

The Hydraulic Gallows: WOW, that is a dark one. Designed in 1892 by Cheyenne architect James P. Julien, this contraption used water pressure to hoist the condemned and was considered a more "efficient" and humane execution method at the time.

The Garage Door Opener: HOLD ON - WHAT? Did someone in Wyoming really invent that? YUP! In 1918, Laramie bicycle repairman and car enthusiast Elmer Lovejoy invented and patented garage door openers and ceiling-tracking systems to easily store and access vehicles.

Various Aviation Concepts: There are several aviation ideas that came from Wyoming, though not all were successful. Barrett C. Cole of Marshall patented an airship resembling a helicopter, while Cheyenne resident W. H. Kelly patented flying machines with wings that flapped to imitate birds.

Wyoming invented the Jackalope. But that is another story for another time.

These are just a few of Wyoming's best ideas. For more, you can visit the Wyoming State Library website to see what you can find.