April 1886

Granville T. Woods patents an improved steam boiler furnace and an electrical railway system in 1886, advancing both industrial power generation and urban transit. His 'troller' system for electric streetcars was adopted widely. Both Edison and Alexander Graham Bell's companies attempted to challenge his patents and lost, then purchased his designs.

Granville T. Woods patents an electrical railway system and improved steam boiler furnace. His 'troller' system for electric streetcars was widely adopted in U.S. cities. Both Edison and Alexander Graham Bell's companies challenged his patents in court and lost, then purchased his designs.