Steam Locomotives: A History

Steam locomotives are the earliest modern trains, and they have played an important part in contemporary history.

Steam engines were first developed in order to pump water out of mines. The inventor was Thomas Newcomen, a Devon preacher. He developed his steam pump around 1710, drawing on earlier ideas.

James Watt, a Scottish inventor, improved upon Newcomen's steam engine, modifying it to power a wheel. This engine was used primarily in cotton mills and factories to power various types of machinery.

An inventor named Richard Trevithwick developed the first real steam locomotive in 1804. Trevithwick's train was too heavy for the tracks then in use, and it never left the experimental stage.

From 1812 to 1814, several inventors made improvements to Trevithwick's designs, culminating in the Locomotion in 1825, the first public steam locomotive ever run.

Steam trains provided essential to industrialization, which required quick transport of people and goods to thrive.

In 1889, the Trans-Continental Railroad was completed in America. Rail travel was instrumental in opening up the American West for commercialization and development.

In the twentieth century, steam locomotives were overshadowed by diesel and electric trains. Today, steam trains are not widely used; however, they still have a large following of devoted fans.

About the Author

JanetteVince is director of the ECommerce firm ThanksDarling.com based in London, UK. For a range of days-out including trips on the Orient Express visit http://www.thanksdarling.com/8-5.htm