Fall River Man Designed One of America’s First Automobiles

FALL RIVER (WBSM) — As we see thousands of cars on the road today, it's easy to take them for granted and forget there was a time when people didn't travel that way.

However, the transition from horse and buggy to high-powered vehicles can be traced back to a Fall River man who played a small role in this evolution.

In the late 19th century, George Altham made his mark in history with his car design contributions.

Who is George Altham?

George Altham was recognized for creating a vehicle which is considered one of the earliest forms of automobiles in the United States.

After years of work, he invented the petrol engine (gasoline) and in 1897 installed his innovation into a vehicle for testing. Altham's designs were celebrated during a time when the automobile industry was beginning to take off.

Altham Motor Company headquarters was founded later in Boston, where he continued working on cars. It wasn't until 1898 that the prototype was officially completed, marking the beginning of the Altham car's commercial product.

Although Fall River served as the base for Altham's manufacturing company, only a few vehicles were produced before operations ended the following year.

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The History of the Altham Car

Althalm's car design stood out during this time. His combined work helped create his first horseless carriage with a gas engine and a six-horsepower. He died in 1932 and was buried in Swansea. Unfortunately, financial difficulties led to the closure of Altham's motor company.

Although only a few Althalms were built, it's interesting to think about how different cars might be today if more of his cars had been produced. It might not have changed much, but this gives Fall River another piece of history to cherish.