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Robert Parker ParrottAmerican inventor
Date of Birth: 01.01.1804
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Robert Parrott: American Inventor and Pioneer of Artillery
- Military Career and Ordnance Service
- Founding and Ownership of Ordnance Factory
- Contributions to Artillery Technology
- Patented Projectile Design
- Altruism and Business Acumen
- Later Career and Death
Robert Parrott: American Inventor and Pioneer of Artillery
Early Life and EducationRobert Parrott, a renowned American inventor, was born in New Hampshire in 1804. In 1824, he graduated third in his class from the United States Military Academy at West Point.
Military Career and Ordnance Service
After graduating from West Point, Parrott served as an Assistant Professor of Natural and Experimental Philosophy for five years. He subsequently transitioned to a role as Assistant Professor of Mathematics. In 1829, he was assigned to the southeastern United States, where he participated in Indian wars.
In 1836, Parrott was appointed Assistant Commanding Officer of the Ordnance Bureau. Shortly thereafter, he became the Inspector of the Ordnance Factory at Cold Spring, New York.
Founding and Ownership of Ordnance Factory
The Cold Spring Ordnance Factory was a private enterprise, requiring Parrott to resign from military service. He dedicated himself to the company for over forty years, eventually becoming a co-owner. During this time, he devoted himself to experimenting with artillery.
Contributions to Artillery Technology
Parrott's most notable invention was the first successful model of a rifled artillery piece, the 10-pounder Parrott rifle. Introduced in 1860, it featured a cast iron barrel reinforced with wrought iron hoops. The rifle was widely used by the Union Army during the Civil War.
Parrott also developed several other models of rifled ordnance, ranging in caliber and performance. However, these designs suffered from certain drawbacks, including the tendency of projectiles to tear out the last rifling groove upon exiting the barrel.
Patented Projectile Design
To address the aforementioned issue, Parrott invented a projectile in 1861. This design improved the accuracy of rifled artillery pieces.
Altruism and Business Acumen
Parrott's business practices were unusual. He sold his ordnance to the government at cost and refused a tax exemption granted to his company.
Later Career and Death
After the Civil War, Parrott ceased production of artillery. Instead, he focused on experimenting with projectiles and alloys. He continued his work until his death in 1877.
