Did you know that the dishwasher was invented in Shelbyville? Ever wonder who came up with the idea for the dish washing machine? The answer is Josephine Cochrane, a resident of Shelbyville who received a patent on December 28, 1886.

After becoming frustrated with how long it took to wash dishes by hand, Cochrane decided to build her own machine. She showed her dishwasher at the 1893 Chicago’s World Fair and founded a company to manufacture her dishwashers, which eventually became KitchenAid.

During the 1950s, dishwashers became a standard household kitchen appliance, and it’s hard to imagine them not existing today. Next time you load up the dishwasher, remember to thank Josephine Cochrane.

To learn more about Josephine Cochrane and her invention click here.