Minneapolis native Leroy S. Buffington was awarded a patent in 1888 for iron-building construction. Because of this patent, Buffington claimed to be the father of the skyscraper. The patents reads, in part: 'My invention relates to fire-proof buildings composed chiefly of iron; and the objects of the invention are mainly, first, the construction of an iron building in a manner that will practically obviate undue expansion and contraction during the extremes of heat and cold; second, a novel construction and arrangement of the main structure and of the stairs and elevator shafts, whereby there is attained the necessary strength and stability, together with compactness and the utilization of the space to the best advantage; and third, an improved plan of floors, and means of bracing the iron beams in fire-proof floors in such structure.'
