Otis History | Elevator history timeline
Built on a legacy of innovation
World Elevator Day – thanks to Otis innovation
Otis built the first passenger elevator and today the world celebrates
March 23 is World Elevator Day and this history is our history. On March 23, 1857, Eder Haughwout opened an upscale department store in New York City – and equipped the five-story building with Otis’ first passenger elevator.