Timeline
by Evanne and Kayleigh, Grade 3
Ancient Times --
Long ago in some ancient cities tracks were carved out
of stone so chariots could travel faster and with more ease.
1800 --
In the 1800's coal cars were in use. They were pretty
much the first railroads. Mules pulled coal cars up a hill and rode down
in the empty cars. The flanged wheels helped the mules pull the cars. They
were used in Central Europe.
1804 --
Richard Trevithick invented a double-action high-pressure
steam engine and steam locomotive. Because cast iron is so brittle the
steam engine broke down many times. People thought because it broke down
all the time that it would never work. They thought he was crazy to be
trying.
1820's --
John Stevens built a track and locomotive in his backyard.
People came to see the train going on the circular track. They began to
believe that trains might be a good idea.
1825 --
George Stevenson built the Stockton and Darlington Railway
in England. It ran 15 miles and it was the first scheduled, public railway
in the world.
1828 --
The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad was chartered in 1828.
It was one of the first important railroads in the United States. To learn
more about this railroad click here.
1829 --
George Stevenson and his son Robert really wanted people
to use the steam engines as a new way of transportation. They built the
first train that had a multi-tubular boiler. They named it the Rocket.
It went 25 miles per hour. They built it in England. Later that year Horatio
Allen, a young engineer went to England to see this wonder train. He liked
it so much he ordered 4. They arrived on May 13, 1829. He gave one of them
a trial run on a track in Pennsylvania. He later became the first person
to ride on a train operated on American track.
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