A Legacy of Innovation
For generations, the McCormick family has tackled humanity's greatest challenges—from feeding the world to advancing reproductive freedom to addressing climate change.
Innovation runs in the family. From the fields of 19th-century Virginia to the research labs that developed the birth control pill, McCormicks have consistently used creativity and determination to solve problems that matter.
Cyrus Hall McCormick
1809–1884
Father of Modern Agriculture
Invented the mechanical reaper, transforming agriculture and freeing 90% of the population from farm labor. Founded what became International Harvester.
Katharine McCormick
1875–1967
Suffragist & Philanthropist
Funded the entire $2 million research effort to develop the oral contraceptive pill, revolutionizing reproductive rights worldwide.
Sons of the American Revolution
The McCormick family traces its American roots to the Revolutionary War. Ancestor Francis Carr (c. 1750–1830) served as a soldier in the Pennsylvania Militia under Captain Piatt in Northumberland County—part of the generation that fought for American independence.
Continuing the Tradition
Today's McCormicks carry forward this legacy of innovation—tackling climate change through research and storytelling, advancing public health, and building technology that serves humanity.
Meet the family