Who invented the steel plow and in which year?

The invention of the steel plow is attributed to John Deere in 1837. Deere, a blacksmith, recognized that a steel blade would be much more effective for plowing the tough, sticky soil of the Midwest compared to the cast iron plows that were commonly used at the time. His design featured a polished steel blade that allowed the soil to slide off more easily, reducing the effort required to till the land. This innovation was crucial in facilitating farming in areas where previous tools had failed, significantly impacting agriculture and settlement patterns in America.

The other individuals listed contributed to important developments but are not associated with the invention of the steel plow. Cyrus McCormick is known for inventing the mechanical reaper, which revolutionized harvesting. Eli Whitney is recognized for the cotton gin and contributions to the development of interchangeable parts in manufacturing. Andrew Carnegie was influential in the steel industry but was not involved in agricultural inventions.