In the spring of 1893, the city of Chicago hosted the World's Columbian Exposition, better known as the Chicago World's Fair. For a young nation, the event served as a coming out party, proof that American innovation was equal to any. Tesla, Westinghouse, and Edison were there, demonstrating the virtues of electricity. The Ferris wheel made its debut, as did the motorized walkway, the dishwasher, and even Cracker Jacks (for better or worse). Popular Science, which was there, called the exposition “the utmost achievement of the kind the world has beheld.”
Admittedly, that was probably an overstatement. Nonetheless, among the many marvels that caused us to gush was a funny little contraption called the Morrison Electric. Patented just two years before, it was one of the first American electric cars.…
