1872: Birthplace of "The Real McCoy"

"That's the real McCoy!" Have you ever heard someone use this expression? It means that something is genuine, the "real deal." Well, in 1872 an Ypsilanti inventor came up with an mechanical device for trains that was used across the country. His name was Elijah McCoy, and others tried to imitate his invention. Eventually, whenever people wanted this train part, they began to ask for the "Real McCoy."

Here is a picture of Elijah McCoy, inventor.

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