Benjamin Bradley (inventor)

Benjamin Bradley (1830s-Unknown) was an African-American inventor, likely born enslaved in Maryland. He is best known for inventing a steam engine for warships in the mid-19th century.

Although precise details of his birth and death are scarce due to the circumstances of his enslavement and subsequent life, the available historical records indicate that Bradley demonstrated significant mechanical aptitude from a young age. He was allowed to attend school unofficially to learn basic reading and mathematics.

Bradley worked in a printing office where he had access to tools and materials. He used these resources, along with his own ingenuity, to design and build a working model of a steam engine suitable for powering warships. His invention was reportedly highly regarded for its efficiency and innovation.

However, as an enslaved person, Bradley was legally prohibited from patenting his invention. He sold his design, along with the working model, to a white man for a nominal sum. The purchaser then patented the design under his own name, depriving Bradley of the recognition and financial rewards for his creation.

Despite this injustice, Benjamin Bradley's story serves as an example of the intellectual capacity and inventive spirit of enslaved African Americans during a period of profound oppression and systemic denial of opportunity. His contributions, though largely uncredited during his lifetime, are increasingly recognized as important pieces of American history. Further research is ongoing to uncover more details about his life and legacy.