• In 1895, James Reno invents the first escalator
• Most easily described as inclined, moving stairs
• In 1897, Charles Seeberger coins the term "escalator"

 The escalator was actually first used as an amusement ride at Coney Island. James Reno brought it to Coney Island from Massachusetts in 1895 as a novelty ride. It was a moving conveyor belt set at a 25-degree angle. The Otis Elevator Company made the first commercially available escalators available after Charles Seeberger improved upon Reno's design. In 1911, The Otis Elevator Company owned both Seeberger's and Reno's patent rights. They dominated the escalator industry until the company lost its trademark and the word "escalator" lost its capital E.

 Modern escalators use metal steps that rotate around along a track often with side guards made of glass or clear plastic. Today, escalators are commonly used in airports, subways, department stores, and hospitals. However, despite many improvements to increase escalator safety, there are still reports of items becoming stuck in an escalator or other accidents leading to bodily harm. The efficiency and improving safety of the escalator have made it very popular in the modern world.

*Picture from Encarta Encyclopedia