What You Need to Know About the History of Snow Plowing

For many, snow removal is merely a chore to protect their driveway or parking lot and maintain safety. What you may not realize, however, is snow plowing has a much deeper history and can be traced back to an era before the introduction of modern innovations like the automobile. In fact, when the concept of snow plowing was first introduced, people latched on to the back of horse-drawn carriages carrying a heavy wheel to pack down the powder and ice.

Where Did Snow Plowing Begin?

Horse Plows
In the 1800s, horse-drawn carriages were the main mode of snow removal as they were used to pack down ice and fresh powder from alleys and heavy foot traffic areas. Many municipalities chose a single resident to act as the  "snow warden,” who would drive the carriage, dragging a heavy set of wooden wing-like projections behind it to create a denser, safer surface. During the blizzard of 1888, however, some areas of the country received as much as 50 feet of snow, which made it necessary to come up with a more efficient removal system.

Rotary Plow
Later in the 1800s, in Canada, heavy snowfall led to the introduction of what we know today as a snow blower. The roads were so heavily caked with powder and ice that rail transportation was disrupted, so a Toronto local named J.W. Elliott created a large device that drew snow up from the ground and blew it out of the machine as it was pushed down the track. The process was slow and painstaking but was a clear improvement from the horse-drawn plows from previous attempts. 

Automobile
As cars began to replace carriages, the ability to remove snow quickly and easily became apparent. By the time the 1920s rolled around, the car-mounted snow plow was invented. The concept involved a large, shovel-like mechanism attached to the front of the vehicle so the driver could control and steer the snow out of the way in high-traffic areas. 


If you need reliable asphalt paving or snow removal, contact Guarco Construction in Granby, CT. We are family-owned and -operated, and have served Hartford County and the surrounding areas since 1974. We specialize in commercial and residential paving and snow removal. We are renowned for their friendly, dependable service, attention to detail, and competitive rates. Learn more about us online or call (860) 278-5558 to schedule your snow removal or asphalt paving.