The beginnings of modern railroads can be traced back to Europe and its Wagonways, which consisted of wooden rails that were easier for horse-drawn carts to move over than dirt roads. Iron replaced wood as the preferred rail and wheel material in the late 18th century, but horses still provided the pulling power until steam engines were invented in the early 19th century. By this point, rail development was an important part in the expansion and growth of America; here are some more key dates and events in our rail history:
1815
Colonel John Stevens is granted the first railroad charter in North America.1856
The Mississippi River becomes crossable by train when the first railroad bridge is completed in Illinois/Iowa.1857
George Pullman invents the Pullman Sleeping Car, which finally provides a comfortable sleeping option for overnight travelers.1869
The “golden spike” is driven into the final tie at Promontory Summit, Utah, uniting the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railways. This act ceremonially created the nation’s first transcontinental railroad.1900
Casey Jones is the sole casualty when his “Cannonball” passenger train collides with a stopped freight train in Vaughn, Mississippi.Early 1900s
Stretches of American rail lines undergo electrification as steam engines are phased out in favor of less-polluting alternatives. Today, most engines are Diesel-electric and do not require overhead wires or "third rails" because they produce their own electricity.1934
The Pioneer Zephyr, the first Diesel-electric streamliner in the United States, makes its debut at Chicago’s World Fair.1970
Amtrak® was created by Congress to take over the passenger rail services previously required to be operated by private freight railroad companies in the United States.1971
Amtrak begins operations on May 1, with the New York-Washington “Clocker” No. 235 departing New York Penn Station at 12:05 a.m.1991
On April 6, the last Amtrak trains depart Grand Central Terminal in New York City.1994
Trails & Rails was born when the National Park Service placed volunteers aboard a train from New Orleans to Lafayette, with a goal of providing educational opportunities that foster an appreciation of local regions’ natural and cultural heritage. Today there are 17 Trails & Rails programs operating on 11 Amtrak routes, just one example of the longstanding, innovative relationship between the NPS and Amtrak. For more information about Trails & Rails, visit www.nps.gov/trails&rails.2000
The Acela Express debuts service on December 11; it is the fastest train in North America.2008
America gets its choo-choo on in celebration of the first-ever National Train Day.
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