Peter Cooper was born in New York City, a period of immense growth and change for the burgeoning nation. His early life was marked by limited formal education, a common circumstance for many working-class families during that era. This lack of formal schooling, however, fueled his innate curiosity and resourceful nature, setting the stage for his self-taught journey of invention and innovation.

Cooper pursued a multitude of trades in his early years, reflecting his diverse skills and entrepreneurial spirit. He worked as a coachmaker's apprentice, cabinet maker, and even ran a grocery store. These experiences instilled in him a practical understanding of mechanics, commerce, and the needs of everyday people, shaping his future business endeavors.