Alexander Miles

Born in Ohio in 1838, Alexander Miles later built a life in Minnesota, where he worked as a barber, became a successful businessman, and was active in local civic life. He is often remembered today as one of the notable Black inventors of the 19th century.

Miles is most closely associated with a patent he received in 1887 for an improved elevator mechanism. His design aimed to automatically open and close elevator shaft doors as the car moved between floors, helping reduce the danger of open shafts and making elevators safer to use.

Although elevator technology continued to evolve after his invention, Miles's work is widely recognized as an important contribution to elevator safety. His story stands out because it combines practical ingenuity with the ambition of someone who succeeded in business and innovation during a difficult period in American history.