The Wheels on the Train Go Round and Round

Railroads may have originated in England, but the iron horse rose to unequaled prominence in America. Horses literally powered early trains which were simply carts on rails. These were typically short routes meant to ship cargo to or from the nearest port, steamboat or canal. The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O) began offering both freight and passenger services in 1828, which launched the US railroad industry.

As technology improved, American railroads quickly switched to steam engines. They could pull more cars, haul heavier loads and travel faster. The movement of large amounts of freight and people, with little regard to weather, was unparalleled. Railroads soon spanned the nation.

Hedville’s first train.