Who Invented the Typewriter: Real History, Dates and Curiosities

Discover the History of the Typewriter

Throughout history, humankind has sought ways to record words and thoughts with greater speed and precision. And it was precisely with the invention of the typewriter that writing entered a new era of productivity, communication, and technology.

But who really invented the typewriter?

And when was the typewriter we all know actually invented?

In this article, we reveal the origins, key figures, and evolution of one of the most revolutionary inventions of the modern world.

Who Invented the Typewriter

The person officially recognized as the inventor of the typewriter is Christopher Latham Sholes, an American newspaper editor and inventor.

In 1868, Sholes, along with his partners Carlos Glidden and Samuel Soule, patented a machine capable of writing characters on paper using keys.

Although he was not the first to conceive of a writing machine, he was the first to commercialize a functional and practical model.

The Invention of the Typewriter: A Mechanical Evolution

Before Sholes, there were already prototypes and concepts. As early as the 18th century, inventors like Henry Mill (1714) had patented mechanisms to write without a pen, although they were never successfully produced.

The invention of the typewriter was an evolutionary process, the result of multiple ideas that culminated in a functional design with keyboard, ribbon, and paper.

The First Functional Typewriter

The first truly functional typewriter appeared with the Remington No.1 in 1873.

It was the first to be mass-produced, thanks to an agreement with the sewing machine company Remington & Sons.

This model featured a keyboard similar to today’s layout, a moving carriage, and a QWERTY arrangement that has endured ever since.

When Was the Typewriter Invented?

The key year was 1868, when Sholes registered his patent. However, its manufacture and commercialization began in 1873 in collaboration with Remington.
For this reason, both dates are considered important in the history of the first typewriter.

Sholes did not work alone. Together with Glidden and Soule, he developed a prototype that mechanized writing.
In 1873, they sold the rights to Remington, who adapted the machine for industrial production.

The Remington No.1 became the first commercially successful typewriter.

Other Key Figures in the Invention

Carlos Glidden: Engineer who helped refine the mechanism.
Samuel W. Soule: Technical inventor who worked on the initial design.
Giuseppe Ravizza (Italy): Developed a similar model in 1855 but without commercial success.

What Motivated the Invention of the Typewriter?

The growth of public administration, bureaucracy, and the need for legible documents pushed for its creation.

It was also a response to the slowness and inconsistency of manual handwriting.

What the First Typewriter Looked Like

Piano-style key layout
Cast-iron body
Hidden mechanism that typed beneath the roller
Uppercase letters only
No automatic return

Initial Impact and Popularization

The typewriter revolutionized the modern office. It quickly became essential in:

Public administration
Journalism
Education
Business correspondence

The Invention of the Electric Typewriter

By the mid-20th century, companies like IBM introduced electric versions—faster and less physically demanding.
These dominated the market until the rise of the computer.

From QWERTY to the Modern Standard

Sholes designed the QWERTY keyboard to prevent jams caused by fast typing.
Ironically, this layout has endured across computers, phones, and tablets.

The Inventor of the Typewriter in Europe

Although Sholes is the recognized inventor, parallel developments occurred in Europe:

Giuseppe Ravizza (Italy)
Rasmus Malling-Hansen (Denmark) and his “Writing Ball”

Many mistakenly believe it was invented by Olivetti or Thomas Edison, but both only contributed later models.

The Typewriter and Its Cultural Value

It became a true cultural symbol through:

Creative writing by authors like Hemingway and Bukowski
Nostalgia and vintage appeal
Period offices and retro aesthetics

What Happened to Sholes?

Sholes passed away in 1890, having witnessed his invention become indispensable.
Although he sold his patent cheaply, his legacy endures, and today the typewriter lives on through collecting, handcrafted writing, and vintage aesthetics.

Many people continue using them for their authenticity and simplicity.

Fun Facts About the Typewriter’s Invention

Mark Twain was the first author to submit a typed manuscript.
The term “typewriter” also referred to the women who worked as typists.

The Typewriter: The Invention That Changed Communication

The typewriter was not only a revolutionary tool but also a symbol of change in modern communication.
Invented by Sholes and perfected over decades, its impact is still felt in the digital era.

Today, more than just a functional object, it remains a piece of art, culture, and mechanical memory.