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What was the purpose of it?
In 1698, Thomas Savery, an English inventor, patented a device that allowed for the use of steam to pump water. The steam engine that he created was used to remove water from mines. This design was improved upon by English engineer Thomas Newcomen in 1712. -
What makes it run?
Hero of Alexandria described a device called an Aeolipile, considered to be the first recorded steam engine. A ball containing water was mounted over a cauldron and, as it heated, two protruding bent tubes shot out jets of steam, causing the ball to spin. -
Who created it?
In 1814, the first successful steam engine locomotive was built by the British Engineer George Stephenson. Later in 1825, he also created the first public railway for steam locomotives. -
Facts about the first locomotive
The first steam locomotive to run in America, was shipped from Britain. Called the Stourbridge Lion, it was ordered for the purpose of transporting coal. At 7.5 tons, it was too heavy for the tracks which were meant to hold 4 tons. The first steam locomotive to be built in America was the Tom Thumb by Peter Cooper. The Tom Thumb had its first run in 1830, hauled 36 passengers and went 18mph. -
How it developed over the years
Over time, starting in the 1930s and ending in the 1950s, diesel and electric trains began to take the place of steam locomotives.
