The LVT-1 was the first of a long series of amphibious tractors (known as amtracs) designed specifically for the US Marine Corps. The LVT-1 was based on a civilian design by Donald Roebling known as the Alligator (a name that would continue to be used unofficially for the military version), for use in the Florida Everglades. It was unique in being the first swamp skimmer to use tracks rather than wheels, and was propelled by the use of grousers on the tracks. It was unarmed and featured no armor protection, and therefore was used primarily as a ship-to-shore cargo transport. Additionally, it used a rigid suspension and performance on hard terrain was not particularly good. Like all initial LVTs, was designed with the engine at the rear, which made unloading more difficult than in later designs which featured a rear ramp. The LVT-1 was first used at Guadalcanal, the US's first amphibious operation of World War II, by which time more advanced amtracs were on the planning board. The need for better protection in combat conditions would also result in all future amtracs having armor plating as well as more powerful armament.

Donald Roeberg's initial design, known as the Alligator was the first tracked swamp skimmer to be used and was adopted by the USN as the M1935, with a later upgrade known as the M1940. These were built with duraluminum hulls, but this was then switched to steel in the LVT-1. No other variants were produced, although the similarly named LVT-(A)1 was in fact adapted from its successor, the LVT-2.