The Fruehauf Trailer Company revolutionized the transportation industry with the invention of the semi-trailer in 1914. The semi-trailer facilitated the growth of continental transportation as an alternative to rail. With many more inventions to come, Fruehauf’s story is an integral part of North American transportation history. 

August Fruehauf was a well-known German-American blacksmith and wagon maker. A local lumber tycoon, Frederick M. Sibley needed to transport an 18-foot boat to his cottage and wanted to use his Model T Roadster. He asked Fruehauf if a wagon could be converted to haul the boat behind the Model T. 

Fruehauf and his partner Otto Neumann went to work converting the Model T Roadster and the semi-trailer was born. Henry Ford responded by canceling the warranty on the car. 

By 1918, Fruehauf needed to incorporate the growing Detroit business and the Fruehauf Trailer Company was founded.

Learn more about the company’s origins, its development over the decades, and ultimate downfall after the Fruehauf family’s involvement throughout this exhibition.  

This exhibition was developed in partnership with the Fruehauf Trailer Historical Society and with support from the Quad Cities Community Foundation – Iowa 80/CAT SCale Go Iowa Endowment.

Companion events:

Tuesday October 1st – Opening Reception

Sunday November 24th – Kaffee und Kuchen – Trucking: A Lifeline Across America with the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum