Springfield, Massachusetts

The Duryea brothers, Charles and Frank, developed the first successful gasoline-powered car in 1894, right here in Springfield. The second Duryea prototype, the 1895 Duryea, was built on this site. This automobile became known simply as the "1895 Chicago Car" after it won the Chicago Thanksgiving Day "Times Herald" race, November 28, 1895.
On May 30, 1896, Cosmopolitan Magazine sponsored a race from New York City Hall to Ardsley-on-the-Hudson and back. The 1896 Duryea, with J. Frank Duryea at the tiller, took first place ahead of a field of almost a dozen automobiles.
In June 1896, the Barnum & Bailey Circus took loan of one of the Duryea production automobiles to be exhibited in their "Greatest Show on Earth."
By the fall of the same year, J. Frank Duryea modified the prototype, improving the suspension system, transmission, and carriage works. On November 14, 1896, he participated in the original "London-to-Brighton Run" in England where he won handily, reaching Brighton more than an hour ahead of the second-place car.
The 1897 Duryea was the first vehicle to be introduced in the fall before the actual model year, a practice still used today. This new model was also the first Duryea to be offered as a delivery wagon, doctor's buggy, and a speedster.
You can find more information about



Duryea automobiles at the Lyman & Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History at the Springfield Museums, 21 Edwards Street.

Sorry, but we don't have a picture of this historical marker yet. If you have a picture, please share it with us. It's simple to do. 1) Become a member. 2) Adopt this historical marker listing. 3) Upload the picture.

Show me all markers in:  

Stacy Building
The First Meeting House
Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Building
Mass Mutual Building
95 State Street
Union House / Chandler Hotel / Edisonia Theater
YWCA
Hay Road
State Armory
Master Armorer's House

• GPX
• KML
• LOC

Have you seen this marker? If so, check in and tell us about it.