James Bogardus
1800-1874
American
(New York, New York)
James Bogardus was the pioneering American inventor who developed the design and manufacture of modular cast iron building systems. Creating a name for himself as an innovative maker of clocks and the eccentric mill for grinding grain, paints, ores, coffee, etc., Bogardus evolved pre-fabricated architectural frames and facades which offered fire resistance, ease of assembly and great variety of style.
Introduced in New York City in the late 1840s, his first buildings were an outstanding success, leading other notable local iron founders like Daniel Badger, James Beebe & Co., and William Cornell, to begin making cast iron structures as well. Such buildings were erected all over the country, with a great many being built in New York. Many still exist, and Manhattan’s Soho Cast-Iron Historic District features the greatest concentration to be seen anywhere. Four of Bogardus’ own buildings survive in New York at 254 Canal Street, 75 Murray Street, 63 Nassau Street and 85 Leonard Street.
Artist profile image: South Street Seaport Museum Archives.
