On May 4, 1897, inventor J.H. Smith, an African American innovator, was awarded U.S. Patent No. 581,785 for a rotary lawn sprinkler. Smith’s invention improved the even distribution of water across lawns and gardens, using a rotating nozzle to deliver consistent pressure. His design helped shape the modern irrigation systems used in residential and agricultural landscaping today. Smith’s achievement reflects the often-overlooked contributions of Black inventors to everyday conveniences and technological advancement during the late 19th century.
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