Henry Jackson Invents Lady's Work Table

On October 6, 1896 Henry A. Jackson, an African American  cabinetmaker, was granted Patent #569135 by the U.S. Patent Office for his unique design for a kitchen table adapted for use in small rooms. It had pull-out shelves and cutting boards, which slid back into the table when not in use, and had storage underneath. Some have misrepresented his patent as "inventing the kitchen table", which is not a claim he made. However, his unique, compact table design was certainly "inventive" in 1896.

Henry operated a furniture-making/repair business in Washington, DC after the Civil War, where he was known for his fine craftsmanship & upscale clientele. In 1895 he designed a "lady's work table" which was displayed at the 1895 Atlanta Cotton Exposition -- the first event of its kind to include the work of Black artists and craftmakers from across the country.