In 1886 Mr. Thompson was issued a patent for his invention from the United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO). There were 6 documents on file for this patent. The drawing specification sheet of the patent has been reproduced from original USPTO documents and printed onto parchment paper. This print is sized and ready to install into an 8" x 10" frame. The additional sheets included are printed on 5.50" x 8.50" parchment paper. These accompanying documents describe the scope of this invention in formal terms. The following is an actual excerpt from the patent…

       " Be it known that I, La Marcus A. Thompson, of the city and county of Philadelphia, in the State of Pennsylvania, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Pleasure Cable Railways, of which improvements the following is a specification. My invention relates to a continuous cable railway to be used for furnishing pleasure and amusement to persons at sea-side resorts, parks, and other places; and it consists of an elevated railway-course built upon trestle work of any suitable material."…