land transportation through time

Road Vhicle

Jan 1, 1769

In 1769, the very first self-propelled road vehicle was a military tractor invented by French engineer and mechanic, Nicolas Joseph Cugnot (1725 - 1804).

Land Transportation

Period: Jan 1, 1769 to Dec 31, 1899

Land Transportation

Bicycles

Mar 10, 1790

The celerifere was an early bicycle precursor invented in 1790 by Frenchmen, Comte Mede de Sivrac. It had no steering and no pedals but the celerifere did at least look somewhat like a bicycle invented the Bicycle.

Richard Trevithick

May 13, 1801

1801 Richard Trevithick invented the first steam powered locomotive (designed for roads)

Isaac de Rivas

Jul 16, 1807

1807 Isaac de Rivas makes a hydrogen gas powered vehicle - first with internal combustion power - however, very unsuccessful design.

George Stephenson

Sep 21, 1814

1814 George Stephenson invents the first practical steam powered railroad locomotive

Jean Lenoir

Oct 22, 1862

1862 Jean Lenoir makes a gasoline engine automobile.

George Westinghouse

Aug 22, 1868

1868 George Westinghouse invents the compressed air locomotive brake - enabled trains to be stopped with fail-safe accuracy

San Franciscan Andrew Smith Hallidie

Jan 17, 1871

On January 17, 1871, San Franciscan Andrew Smith Hallidie patented the first cable car.

Karl Benz

Jan 29, 1885

1885 Karl Benz builds the world's first practical automobile to be powered by an internal combustion engine.

Ferdinand von Zeppelin

Jul 2, 1899

1899 Ferdinand von Zeppelin invents the first successful dirigible - the Zeppelin.