According to the rich history of Harley-Davidson, the story of its founding began in the late 1890s when William Harley and Arthur Davidson first met. Their friendship quickly blossomed, fueled by a mutual passion for mechanics and design.

As the 20th century dawned, Harley and Davidson pursued different careers—Harley as a draftsman and Davidson as a pattern-maker. Despite their shared interests, they had yet to find a way to combine their skills and create something truly groundbreaking.

One fateful evening, while enjoying a night out, the two friends attended a performance by Anna Held, a well-known Vaudevillian entertainer famous for her daring and provocative stage shows. Although the audience was captivated by her performance, Harley and Davidson were drawn to something entirely different: a unique prop used during the show. Miss Held rode across the stage on a three-wheeled vehicle, powered by a single-cylinder engine.

This seemingly insignificant moment sparked a wave of inspiration in the minds of Harley and Davidson. The brief spectacle ignited their imagination, ultimately leading to a revolution in the world of vehicles and manufacturing.

In 1903, William Harley and Arthur Davidson turned their vision into reality by founding Harley-Davidson. What started as an idea sparked by a Vaudeville performance grew into one of the world’s largest and most iconic motorcycle manufacturers. Harley-Davidson has since become synonymous with the motorcycle culture, known worldwide for its loyal community of bikers, enthusiasts, and collectors.

Today, Harley-Davidson’s legacy is celebrated globally. Enthusiasts gather at various owner-clubs and events, while the brand’s rich history is preserved and showcased in a dedicated museum. This journey from a simple inspiration to becoming a cultural icon illustrates the power of imagination and innovation in shaping history.