Did they have elevators in the 1800s?

Yes, elevators were invented in the 19th century, with early versions emerging in the 1830s. These initial elevators were often steam-powered and primarily used for transporting goods in warehouses and factories. The development of the safety elevator by Elisha Otis in 1852 made them safer and more practical for use in buildings, paving the way for their widespread adoption in urban architecture. By the late 1800s, elevators became common in taller buildings, revolutionizing urban design.