The Fordson Tractor
Henry Ford, Visionary Leader Who Revolutionized Farming
While he is best known for pioneering the mass production of automobiles, Henry Ford also revolutionized modern farming with the creation of the Fordson Tractor.
In his autobiography, “My Life and Work,” Ford expressed his desire “to lift farm drudgery off flesh and blood and lay it on steel and motors.” That motivation led him to develop the Fordson Tractor, which was first mass-produced in 1917.
Now on display in Richmond Hill, this original Fordson Model F tractor was found on the grounds of The Ford Field & River Club, which was once Henry and Clara Ford’s winter retreat and is now home to many modern-day visionaries and leaders of industry. The tractor was restored to its original condition in 2012 by two enterprising Ford club members.
While he is best known for pioneering the mass production of automobiles, Henry Ford also revolutionized modern farming with the creation of the Fordson Tractor.
In his autobiography, “My Life and Work,” Ford expressed his desire “to lift farm drudgery off flesh and blood and lay it on steel and motors.” That motivation led him to develop the Fordson Tractor, which was first mass-produced in 1917.
Now on display in Richmond Hill, this original Fordson Model F tractor was found on the grounds of The Ford Field & River Club, which was once Henry and Clara Ford’s winter retreat and is now home to many modern-day visionaries and leaders of industry. The tractor was restored to its original condition in 2012 by two enterprising Ford club members.
Discover this Fordson Tractor’s journey below in the interactive timeline.
Timeline
Timeline
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1923
The Fordson tractor was built in Detroit and shipped by rail to Henry Ford at what is now The Ford Field & River Club.
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Late 1900s
Founding Ford member Ralph Eagle discovers the Fordson Tractor in a lettuce barn.
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2005
Restoration on the tractor begins.
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2015
Restoration is completed.
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Present Day
The tractor is displayed in Richmond Hill.
A Tractor That Cultivated the Future of Farming
At the time of the Fordson’s creation, World War I had called hundreds of thousands of would-be farm hands overseas. The new tractor made it possible for remaining farmers to cultivate more land with fewer people and in less time. The Fordson Tractor was (in true Ford fashion) more affordable than its competitors—making it widely accessible, and wildly successful.
This tractor, created with an eye towards the future, perfectly captures the mindset of today’s Ford members, who honor the land’s rich history while striving to create new
experiences and stories for the next generation.
A True Barn Find
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