Four African-American Pioneers Who Changed the Way We Drive

February is Black History Month and we at Hebert’s Town and Country Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Shreveport take pride in America’s diversity. That’s what America is all about: giving everyone an equal shot at greatness, so we can all share in the wondrous achievements of Americans of different races, nationalities, and cultures. In the celebratory spirit of Black History Month, we want to spotlight a few African-Americans who have been inspirational and influential in America’s automotive history. 

GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER (1864-1943)

 The world-famous botanist was born in Missouri in 1864 to parents who were former slaves. Carver became a major figure in modern botany and biology for his innovative work with the peanut and found numerous ways to utilize the legume. He even worked with Ford Motor Company in its early beginnings to create sustainable biofuel and made many contributions to bio-energy science, furthering bio-energy research and innovation that continues to this day.   

C.R. PATTERSON (1833-1910)

Considered the world’s first and only African-American-owned and founded automobile company, the C.R. Patterson & Sons Company made important early strides for Black inventors and entrepreneurs. Founder C.R. Patterson was born into slavery on a West Virginian plantation. After Patterson escaped to Ohio in 1862, he went into business with his white partner, J.P. Lowe, a local carriage manufacturer, and produced more than 28 different types of horse-drawn vehicles. When Lowe died, Patterson continued on with the business and named it C.R. Patterson & Sons Company. By 1910, the company had designed and manufactured a gas-powered “horseless carriage” called the Greenfield-Patterson. The company produced around 150 cars in several styles until the company stopped making vehicles in 1918. Sadly, no examples of Greenfield-Patterson automobiles are known to exist today.  

RICHARD B. SPIKES (1878-1963)

Not much is known about the personal life of the pioneering African-American engineer Richard B. Spikes, but his innovative contributions helped shape the automotive industry – and automotive safety – to what is today. Seeking to make early driving safer for motorists, Spikes patented the technology for an automobile turn signal in 1913. Although legally blind later in life, Spikes went on to patent many more inventions that still help keep people safe today, including a safety brake he invented in 1963 that was used on public school buses. We can also thank Spikes for his other invention that helps keep our cars looking great: the automatic car wash.  

CHARLIE WIGGINS (1897-1979)

Wiggins was originally from Evansville, Indiana. Shortly after World War I, Wiggins started his own garage in Indianapolis and built his own race car out of spare parts, named “The Wiggins Special.” In response to segregation that didn’t allow Blacks to race in the Indianapolis 500, Wiggins and other African-American race car drivers formed their own motor racing league. Their Gold and Glory Sweepstakes was a yearly 100-mile race for African American drivers on a one-mile dirt track at the Indiana state fairgrounds. It was part of a legacy that would see Wiggins battle for equality in the sport of motor racing for the rest of his life. 

The contributions of these innovative and influential Americans guided the evolution of the modern automobile through their dedication, innovation, and hard work. We at Hebert’s Town and Country CDJR in Shreveport are very proud of that tradition of dedication and hard work, and make that same spirit a part of everything we do. When you’re ready to purchase your new vehicle, do it from the comfort of your home without coming to the dealership thanks to our Online Shopping Program. This helpful tool on our website saves you time as you explore payment options and financing. As always, we look forward to serving you! 

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