Today, winter weather is a threat to optimal road conditions, and snow plows are always present after that first snow falls. But snow wasn’t always a danger for road travel—in fact, it made winter travel faster and more efficient. It is only with the development of the automobile that snow plowing became the norm. Below, the professionals at Currier’s Certified Welding in Kalispell, MT, have put together a few facts about the history of snow plowing.

The Incredible History of Snow Plowing

Snow Rolling

Before the automobile, people traveled with horse-drawn carriages and wagons. In the winter, they changed the wheels out for runners that look like skis so they could glide easily across the snow. Most municipalities kept the snow on their streets flat and packed with a device called a snow roller—a large, wide wheel weighted with rocks that was pulled across the road by oxen or horses. Many cities even had a snow warden, who was responsible for keeping the roads neat and packed.

Horse-Drawn Plows

By the mid-1800s, the horse-drawn plow was developed. But it wasn’t used to clear heavily trafficked streets. Instead, it cleared alleys and streets that saw more foot traffic than wagons or carriages. Milwaukee was the first city to try plowing their streets in 1862, and many cities followed their example. On the east coast, the Blizzard of 1888 caused many municipalities to reevaluate their snow removal processes. The storm dumped nearly 50 feet of snow in many places—too much for plows to handle—and people were forced to wait inside for the snow to melt.

Rotary Snow Plow

Out in the Canadian West during the late 1800s, snow was a major problem for rail transportation. For trains to move safely, tracks needed to be clear of snow, which was almost impossible in many areas of the country. As a solution, a Toronto dentist named J.W. Elliott developed a rotary snow plow, or what we know today as a snow blower. It was a massive device that funneled snow up and out of the machine as it was pushed down the track, keeping them clear for train travel.

Car Snow Plow

As automobiles started replacing horses and carriages, cities needed to reevaluate their snow removal processes again. Motorized salt and horse-drawn plows weren’t efficient enough. Luckily, in the 1920s, the car-mounted snow plow was invented, which is still in use today.

As an authorized distributor of Boss snow plowing and snow removal equipment, Currier’s Certified Welding in the Flathead Valley area has helped many people with their plowing needs for the past 40 years. From plows to bumpers, they will make sure your vehicle is ready for winter. Call them today at (406) 752-­2366. Visit their website for more information.