Eli Whitney (Inventor)

Eli Whitney (1765-1825) was an American inventor best known for creating the cotton gin, a machine that revolutionized the cotton industry by efficiently separating cotton fibers from seeds. This invention significantly boosted cotton production in the South, making it a key economic crop in the United States. Whitney is also credited with pioneering the concept of interchangeable parts in manufacturing, which led to more efficient production processes. His contributions laid important groundwork for modern manufacturing and had lasting impacts on both agriculture and industry in America.