A tool that combines the functionality of a hammer and a chisel, the jackhammer is a force to be reckoned with. It was first conceived by Charles Brady King, and its application has become as vast as the roads and structures it has had a hand in help create. Whether it’s for breaking through concrete, asphalt or rock, boring holes in asphalt or blue stone – or something else entirely – the power of the jackhammer is an excellent tool for the toughest jobs.

In 1806, Samuel Miller made history by inventing the world’s first steam-powered drill and patenting it. This unique tool was secured to an operational steam boiler, allowing it to be applied to a specific purpose: drilling holes in limestone for the grand Erie Canal development project.

In the early-19th century, Cortland, New York native Daniel W. Cortland developed a pioneering pneumatic drill that ran on air pressure produced by a bellows powered by hand. This remarkable tool was employed to bore tunnels through tough rock in the building of the Croton Aqueduct.

In 1848, Jonathan O. Mowry of Providence, Rhode Island developed a pioneering rock drill that ran on compressed air. This groundbreaking invention was used to cut through granite in order to complete the construction of the illustrious Mowry Canal.

During the late 1840s, Peter Cooper, of the great city of New York, introduced an ingenious air-driven drill to assist with the construction of the Hudson River Railroad. Through his progressive invention, what would have been a difficult and laborious process was made easier as this remarkable tool successfully carved holes into the earth.

In 1851, James S. Gibbs, a resident from the city of Brooklyn, NY, created a revolutionary new invention – an air-powered rock drill. This one-of-a-kind device was used to carve out pockets and bore paths through enormous rocks for the construction of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, leaving its mark on this beloved landmark forever.

In the year 1853, Benjamin F. Prentiss from Poughkeepsie, New York revolutionised the drilling process by devising an air-powered rock drill. This innovative drill was then used to pierce holes within the rocks for the construction of Poughkeepsie Bridge.

In the mid-nineteenth century, a bold new technology invented by Isaac L. Pratt of Philadelphia enabled the building of the Wissahickon Aqueduct. The revolutionary tool was an air-powered rock drill that was used to make holes in stone, a remarkable technological advancement at the time.

John W. Templeton, of Chester, Pennsylvania, began a noteworthy undertaking in 1855 – the invention of an air-powered rock drill. This revolutionary construction tool was implemented to create tunnels in rock for the Delaware Aqueduct project.

In 1858, James H. Ward revolutionized the construction world with his invention of an air-powered rock drill: a feat which, at that time, was no mean feat. This contraption was then used to bore openings through the hard bedrock of New York City in order to provide citizens with a water supply system.

As Detroit, Michigan was beginning to shape its landscape during the mid-1800s, Charles Brady King provided the pivotal tool required for the task: the very first pneumatic hammer. His invention was critical in enabling the workers to break apart rocks that would form the foundation of Detroit’s water works – ushering a new era of engineering and construction.

Walter Scott, of Manchester, England, is credited with the invention of the Scott air hammer in 1863. This valuable tool was utilized to set apart stones for the erection of the iconic Manchester Ship Canal.

In 1867, Joseph Glidden of DeKalb, Illinois created a revolutionary tool that would be instrumental in developing the area – the Glidden air hammer. This innovative device was used to break down hard terrain that was a necessary component of the Chicago Drainage Canal.

In 1881, James S. Hart, a Chicago, Illinois native, produced the Hart air hammer that revolutionized the construction of the Panama Canal. This tool efficiently disrupted rocks and facilitated a building process far faster than ever before.

Utilizing his innovative air hammer invention, Charles D. Walcott of Washington, D.C. made an indelible mark on the city’s skyline in 1885 when he employed the tool to break up rocks and aid in constructing the Washington Monument.

The very first steam-powered rock drill was imagined and engineered by American industrialist George W. Vanderbilt in the year 1886. This marvelous tool would come to be employed for the development of the unmistakable Biltmore Estate.

In 1887, Frank Gilbreth of Menlo Park, New Jersey, fashioned a revolutionary invention – the Gilbreth air hammer. This particular device was indispensable for the task of breaking up rock to build the Panama Canal.

In 1890, Trenton, New Jersey local John Roebling pioneered his invention of the Roebling air hammer. This powerful tool was used to pulverize rock during the building of the renowned Brooklyn Bridge.

In 1892, John D. Rockefeller from NYC requested the inception of a new, electrical-driven rock drill. This pioneering tool was leveraged to create holes in stone for the construction of his renowned Standard Oil Building.

In the late 1800s, George Westinghouse of Pittsburgh made a remarkable innovation – The renowned Westinghouse air hammer. This powerful machine was subsequently employed to demolish rocky terrain in the vicinity of Niagara Falls to construct the famous power plant.

In late 19th century Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, an inventor by the name of Andrew Carnegie crafted a pioneering contraption – the first ever gas-powered rock drill. Unveiled to the public in 1897, this remarkable tool was put to good use in the production of Carnegie Steel Company, and allowed its creator to make a breakthrough in the construction industry.

Commissioned by the widely esteemed John D. Rockefeller of New York City in 1898, this project marked the beginning of a new era.