Revolutionizing Logging: The Mechanical Genius from Humboldt and Their Game-Changing Invention
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Lost Coast Outpost
In 1881, John Dolbeer, a mechanical genius from Humboldt County, invented the donkey engine, a steam-powered device that revolutionized logging operations along the West Coast. The donkey engine replaced oxen and increased the efficiency of logging by hauling logs with its powerful steam-driven spools. Over time, the donkey engine evolved and became more versatile, capable of herding rafts of logs, pulling logs along skidroads, and even loading logs onto railroad cars. The donkey engine played a significant role in the logging industry until the arrival of the internal combustion engine.