Peter Cooper, American businessman and philanthropist, founded Cooper Union (d. 1883)

Peter Cooper: An American Visionary – Industrialist, Inventor, Philanthropist, and Presidential Nominee

Peter Cooper (February 12, 1791 – April 4, 1883) stands as a towering figure in American history, embodying the spirit of innovation, entrepreneurial drive, and profound social conscience that characterized the 19th century. A true polymath, Cooper's illustrious career spanned roles as a pioneering industrialist, a prolific inventor, a dedicated philanthropist, and an influential politician. His enduring legacy is woven into the fabric of American progress, from revolutionizing transportation and industry to championing accessible education and advocating for monetary reform.

Early Life, Entrepreneurship, and the Dawn of American Industry

Born into modest circumstances in New York City, Cooper displayed an inherent mechanical aptitude and an insatiable curiosity from a young age, constantly tinkering and observing the world around him. His early career saw him engaged in various trades, honing the practical skills that would later define his inventive spirit. In 1821, Cooper embarked on a pivotal venture, purchasing a glue factory in New York. Through his ingenuity and efficient management, this factory rapidly expanded, becoming one of the largest and most profitable in the United States. The substantial profits generated from this enterprise provided the essential capital for his more ambitious industrial pursuits.

A critical step in his industrial journey was the establishment of the Canton Iron Works in Baltimore, Maryland. It was here that Cooper's engineering prowess shone brightly. He not only produced high-quality iron products but also engaged in the burgeoning railroad industry. In 1830, he designed and constructed the "Tom Thumb," a compact yet powerful steam locomotive. Though primarily built as a demonstration model for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, the Tom Thumb achieved a remarkable feat: it was the first American-built steam locomotive to successfully operate on a common-carrier railroad. This innovation was a crucial step in proving the viability of steam power for rail transport in the United States, laying the groundwork for the rapid expansion of the nation's railway network.

Diverse Innovations and Engineering Milestones

Cooper's inventive spirit extended far beyond locomotives. He was granted numerous patents throughout his life, reflecting his diverse interests and practical problem-solving approach. Among his notable contributions was a refined process for manufacturing gelatin, a product that would later become a household staple. However, his industrial achievements were perhaps most profound in iron production. Peter Cooper became the first mill operator in the United States to successfully apply anthracite coal to the puddling process for making wrought iron. This innovation was a significant advancement, as anthracite coal burned hotter and cleaner than traditional charcoal, leading to more efficient and cost-effective iron production, which was vital for the nation's burgeoning industrial revolution.

Beyond his individual inventions, Cooper was a key player in one of the 19th century's most ambitious engineering projects: the transatlantic telegraph cable. As a significant investor and a director of the Atlantic Telegraph Company, he played a crucial role alongside Cyrus Field in financing and guiding the monumental effort to lay the first telegraph cable across the Atlantic Ocean. This endeavor, first successfully achieved in 1858 and then permanently in 1866, revolutionized global communication, drastically reducing the time it took for messages to travel between continents from weeks to mere minutes. Cooper's involvement underscored his commitment to advancing technologies that connected the world and fostered progress.

Philanthropy and the Vision of The Cooper Union

Despite his vast wealth and industrial successes, Peter Cooper remained deeply committed to social betterment. He believed passionately in the power of education and the importance of equal opportunity. This belief culminated in his most enduring philanthropic legacy: the founding of The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art in 1859. Located in New York City, this pioneering institution was established with the radical principle of providing "free instruction in the practical application of science and art" to all, regardless of race, religion, gender, or social standing. The Cooper Union was designed to offer working-class individuals access to high-quality education in engineering, art, and architecture, empowering them with the skills necessary for upward mobility and contributing to a more democratic society. To this day, The Cooper Union continues to uphold this founding principle, providing full-tuition scholarships to every admitted student, a testament to Cooper's forward-thinking vision.

Political Activism and the Greenback Movement

During the tumultuous period of the Gilded Age, characterized by rapid industrialization, economic shifts, and growing social inequality, Peter Cooper emerged as a vocal and ardent critic of the prevailing economic policies. He strongly opposed the gold standard, believing it restricted the nation's money supply and favored creditors over debtors and working-class citizens. Instead, Cooper advocated for a system of government-issued banknotes, often referred to as "Greenbacks" – paper currency that had been introduced during the Civil War. He believed that such a system would provide a more elastic and equitable monetary supply, fostering economic growth and alleviating debt burdens for farmers and laborers.

His unwavering commitment to these principles led him to accept the nomination for President of the United States by the Greenback Party at their National Convention in 1876. At 85 years old at the time of his nomination, Peter Cooper holds the distinction of being the oldest person ever nominated for President by a significant political party in American history. Running on a ticket with Samuel Fenton Cary, the Greenback Party garnered just under one percent of the popular vote in the 1876 general election. While not victorious, Cooper's candidacy significantly amplified the debate surrounding monetary policy and highlighted the economic grievances of many Americans during a pivotal era.

A Lasting Legacy

Peter Cooper passed away in 1883, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy of innovation, philanthropy, and public service. His influence extended to the next generation, with his son, Edward Cooper, and his son-in-law, Abram Hewitt, both serving as distinguished Mayors of New York City, continuing the family's tradition of public service and civic engagement. Peter Cooper remains an inspirational figure, remembered not only for his remarkable achievements in industry and invention but equally for his profound belief in progress, education, and social justice for all.

Frequently Asked Questions About Peter Cooper

What was Peter Cooper most famous for?

Peter Cooper is celebrated for his multifaceted contributions as an American industrialist, inventor, and philanthropist. He is most famous for designing and building the "Tom Thumb," the first American steam locomotive, and for founding The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, an institution that continues to provide tuition-free education in New York City.

What was the Tom Thumb?

The Tom Thumb, built by Peter Cooper in 1830, was the first American-built steam locomotive to successfully operate on a common-carrier railroad, specifically for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. While primarily a demonstration engine, it played a crucial role in proving the practicality of steam power for rail transportation in the United States.

What is The Cooper Union?

The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, founded by Peter Cooper in 1859, is a highly prestigious and unique institution in New York City. It was established with the pioneering mission to provide free, high-quality education in engineering, art, and architecture to all, regardless of their background. To this day, it maintains this founding principle by offering full-tuition scholarships to every admitted student.

Why was Peter Cooper a Greenback Party candidate?

Peter Cooper became a candidate for the Greenback Party in the 1876 presidential election due to his strong conviction that the national economy required reform. He was a vocal critic of the gold standard and the debt-based monetary system, advocating instead for government-issued banknotes (Greenbacks) to expand the money supply, reduce debt burdens, and stimulate economic growth, particularly for farmers and laborers.

What was Peter Cooper's role in the transatlantic cable project?

Peter Cooper was a crucial figure in the monumental effort to lay the first transatlantic telegraph cable. As a significant investor and a director of the Atlantic Telegraph Company, he provided essential financial backing and strategic guidance to the project, which ultimately revolutionized global communication by connecting North America and Europe via telegraph.