On August 9, 1859, Nathan Ames received U.S. Patent No. 25,076 on Revolving Stairs — the first patent on an escalator-like device.

Nathan Ames (born November 17, 1826, as Nathan Eames), was a patent solicitor. He also patented an improvement in polishing leather, a polygraph — an early copying machine, and an improved grater. Nathan Ames was also a writer and a poet. He died August 17, 1865.

Nathan’s revolving stairs were never commercialized. The first successful commercial escalator was Jesse Wilford Reno’s Endless Conveyor or Elevator (U.S. Patent No. 470,918, issued March 15, 1892). His Endless Conveyor was displayed as a ride at Coney Island’s Iron Pier in 1896, transporting patrons seven feet into the sky!

In 1902, Reno founded Reno Electric Stairways and Conveyors, Ltd. and his invention was installed in various locations. Otis Elevator Company eventually purchased Reno’s venture and utilized its patents (including U.S. Patent Nos. 637526 and 673890).