It was in 1804 that Great Britain,industrial leader of the world got a 25 year jump on railroads over the United States. It was in 1829 that the first locomotive appeared on American rails. On this locomotive driven vehicle people were put on the train which was coupled together with chains. There would be over thirty cars pulling passengers, coal and flour etc. A sharp jerk wrestled the passengers as thick black smoke filled the train. Women in their fancy dresses raised their umbrellas to fend off the odorous stench. It was just years later in the 1830's that the converted stagecoach gave way to railroad cars. It's appearance, of course, was much like what it is known today.

The first steam engine locomotive to ever run on rails was built by Richard Trevithick in 1804. This engine could haul 20 tons at a speed of 5 miles per hour. But this precise engine hauled a load of 9 tons. The picture to the right shows its humble beginnings.

Colonel John Stevens "fathered" American railroads. It was in 1811 that he set out to build a railroad in New Jersey. However, he was unable to get funds to follow through with his plans. It wasn't until 1825 that Colonel Stevens decided to prove, on his own, that the locomotive and railroad was a true possibility for American transportation.