The James Logan Courier

Charles Goodyear (December 29, 1800 - July 1, 1860) was the first American to vulcanize rubber, a process which he discovered in 1839 and patented on June 15, 1844. Although Goodyear is often credited with its invention, modern evidence has proven that the Mesoamericans used stabilized rubber for balls and other objects as early as 1600 BC.[1]

Goodyear discovered the vulcanization process accidentally after five years of research. Joseph Holt later described Goodyear as having showed "almost superhuman perseverance" in his search for a more stable rubber[2]

Charles Goodyear was born in New Haven, Connecticut on December 29, 1800. He was the son of Amasa Goodyear, and the oldest of six children. His father was quite proud of being a descendant of Stephen Goodyear, one of the founders of the colony of New Haven in 1638 .

Learn more about Charles Goodyear and his work with rubber, free from bouncing-balls.com.