Contrary to popular belief the guillotine was not invented in France during the revolution. There had been earlier guillotines in England for example although never widely used.The "Classic" French guillotine was proposed and adapted as a "Humane" and equal solution to the death penalty. This is strictly my theory. In England beheading was reserved for Royalty. Commoners were hung or some other method. Burning or breaking on the wheel as a few examples. Since "America" started as an English colony with few if any actual Royalty present and also lacking the right to try them. (The trial would have had to be in England.) Hence beheading was not employed during the colonial period. Post the American revolution the guillotine's excessive use In the new French republic horrified a majority of Americans who associated it with non American principals and was therefore never adapted .Although beheading was an option in Utah from 1851 to 1881 it was never used.