Colchester, Ontario, was Elijah McCoy's birthplace and the location of his early childhood. His family lived in a community of former slaves who had escaped to Canada.

Elijah McCoy traveled to Edinburgh, Scotland, to pursue an apprenticeship in mechanical engineering. He studied at the University of Edinburgh, gaining valuable knowledge and skills.

McCoy spent most of his adult life in Michigan, working for the Michigan Central Railroad and developing his inventions. He lived and worked in various cities in Michigan, where his inventions were widely adopted by industries.

Elijah McCoy died in the Eloise Infirmary in Eloise, Michigan. This location marks the end of his life's journey and highlights the challenges he faced in his later years.