On this episode of Our American Stories, every tow truck on the road carries the legacy of one inventor. In Chattanooga, mechanic Ernest Holmes transformed the simple problem of how to lift a stranded car into the first tow truck. Using his own Cadillac, he built a wrecker strong enough to pull vehicles from ditches and reliable enough to serve the growing number of motorists across America. That invention became the foundation of the towing industry, shaping everything from heavy-duty recovery trucks to modern roadside assistance. What began in a Tennessee garage now supports drivers nationwide and stands as a quiet symbol of American engineering and service.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

<p>On this episode of Our American Stories, every tow truck on the road carries the legacy of one inventor. In Chattanooga, mechanic Ernest Holmes transformed the simple problem of how to lift a stranded car into the first tow truck. Using his own Cadillac, he built a wrecker strong enough to pull vehicles from ditches and reliable enough to serve the growing number of motorists across America. That invention became the foundation of the towing industry, shaping everything from heavy-duty recovery trucks to modern roadside assistance. What began in a Tennessee garage now supports drivers nationwide and stands as a quiet symbol of American engineering and service.</p>
<p>Support the show (<a href="https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)">https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)</a></p>

Our American Stories tells stories that aren’t being told. Positive stories about generosity and courage, resilience and redemption, faith and love. Stories about the past and present. And stories about ordinary Americans who do extraordinary things each and every day. Stories from our listeners about their lives. And their history. In that pursuit, we hope we’ll be a place where listeners can refresh their spirit, and be inspired by our stories.

Our American Stories

From Breakdown to Breakthrough: The First Tow Truck

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/cb8f08e0-2995-40c4-a2e0-b3830142964f/transcript

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