Eli Whitney is officially credited with inventing the cotton gin. He received a patent for his invention, and his name is most closely associated with it in historical records.

Some historical accounts suggest that Caty Greene may have provided Whitney with the idea or inspiration for the cotton gin. These accounts often point to her knowledge of agriculture and her encouragement of Whitney to develop a solution for processing cotton.

Historians who attribute the invention solely to Whitney emphasize his engineering skills and his expertise in mechanics. They argue that he possessed the technical knowledge necessary to design and build the machine, while Caty Greene's role was limited to providing support and encouragement.

The debate over Caty Greene's role in the invention of the cotton gin continues to this day. Historians acknowledge the limitations of available evidence and the difficulty of definitively determining the extent of her contribution. Most accounts credit Whitney, but also acknowledge Caty Greene's role in providing a stimulating environment.