-
Thomas Savery patents the first Steam Engine
Savery patented this basic steam engine as a way to replace animals and buckets as the prevailing method of removing water from the mines. However, the vacuum could only pump water from shallow depths, and was prone to exploding as a result of the steam pressure used to expel the drawn water. -
Thomas Newcomen produces the Atmospheric Steam Engine
The atmospheric steam engine was the first truly successful steam engine, eliminating the need for steam pressure. However, it was extremely inefficient, requiring a lot of coal to constantly reheat it. -
James Watt patents the improved Atmospheric Steam Engine
As an instrument maker for the University of Glasgow, Watt was asked to help fix a model of the Newcomen steam engine. He realized that if he created a separate condenser, it would eliminate the need to reheat the cylinder, improving the efficiency. With financial backing from an industrialist, he patented the design. However, the first Watt steam engines were still riddled with problems. -
Matthew Boulton partners with Watt
More specifically, Boltoun and Watt aquired the patent rights from Watt's old industrial backer. Boulton understood that the steam engine could be used for more than pumping water. -
The first Boulton-Watt Steam Engine is put on the market
Watt finally fixed all the problems and he and Boulton sold their first engine to the Bentley Mining Company. It worked flawlessly, using one-fourth of the steam required by the Newcomen engines. Soon they were busy setting up engines in mines all around the region. -
Boulton-Watt Engines start to appear in mills and factories
Watt patented the Sun and Planet Gear system, which allowed the steam engine to be used not only to pump water, but also to power mill and factories, Another patent he created at this time was for the Double-Acting Engine, which doubled efficiency by making the piston do work on both the up and down strokes. -
The first steam-powered locomotive appears in Britain
Created by Richard Trevithick, this small locomotive was the first of it's kind. Previously, the steam engine was too heavy to be viable for any sort of movement. However, in replacing the condensing process with pressure steam (at this point pipe joints that could withstand the pressure had been created), the engine could be used to power mobile machinery. Trevthick abandoned the idea after one train, though. -
The U.S. produces the first passenger steam ship
In the U.S., the Clermont became the first passenger steam ship. It took 32 hours to complete a 150-mile trip, while normal boats generally took 48 to 50. Soon every trip was packed with passengers. -
The Puffing Billy is produced
Considered the first practical application of steam power in powering a locomotive, the Puffing Billy (created by Christopher Blackett) could reach speeds of up to 8 miles an hour hauling coal. -
The Liverpool & Manchester Line opens
In England, this line offered the first scheduled train service, allowing for quick and reliable passenger travel. -
First underground railroad in London uses steam
Created as a way to control the congestion in London's streets, the underground was furnished with steam locomotives, popularizing it as a method of transportation with the general public. -
Luxury Steam train service appears
Consisting of three Pullman sleeping cars, a buffet car, a barber shop, and maids, New York Central's Twentieth Century Limited marked the peak of steam locomotives. At this point, steam-powered trains were widely used for transportation of goods and people, forever changing trade and travel.
