Significance: Born in 1880, Garfield "Gar" Wood was a legendary American inventor, entrepreneur and speedboat racer. He won multiple titles and championships throughout his career, and in 1931 became the the first person to reach 100mph on water in his speedster Miss America IX. He began manufacturing wooden speedboats under his own name in 1921, with an estimated 10,000 boats completed between 1921 and 1947. Today Gar Wood boats are considered some of the most collectible and historic wooden powerboats ever built, renowned for their construction, speed, and craftsmanship.
