Who was the first steel plow made by?

The first steel plow was made by John Deere in 1837. Deere, a blacksmith and inventor, recognized the limitations of the wooden plows that were prevalent at the time, particularly in the Midwest, where soil was tougher and more compact. He designed a plow with a polished steel blade that was able to cut through the dense soil more effectively than its wooden predecessors. This innovation not only made plowing more efficient but also significantly improved agricultural productivity, which was critical during the expansion of farming in the United States.

Each of the other individuals listed contributed to agricultural advancements in different ways. Henry Ford is known for revolutionizing manufacturing with the assembly line, which impacted various industries, including agriculture but not directly with plowing. Cyrus McCormick invented the mechanical reaper, which was crucial for harvesting crops, while George Washington Carver is celebrated for his work in promoting crop diversification and soil health but did not create the steel plow. Thus, John Deere's contribution is the foundation upon which many modern farming techniques are built.