USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Tom Thumb was the first American-built steam locomotive to operate on a common-carrier railroad. It was designed and constructed by Peter Cooper in 1829 to convince owners of the newly formed Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O) (now CSX) to use steam engines; it was not intended to enter revenue service.

Detailed explanation-2: -The ‘Tom Thumb, ’ constructed by Peter Cooper in 1829, was the first locomotive to be built in America. “The real victory was with Mr. Cooper, ” Latrobe told his audience in 1868. Hitching its future to steam power, the B&O in January 1831 advertised a $4, 000 prize for the development of a more robust engine.

Detailed explanation-3: -On August 28, 1830, Peter Cooper’s locomotive carried the B&O directors in a passenger car to Ellicott’s Mills. To the amazement of the passengers, the locomotive traveled at an impressive speed of 10-14 miles per hour. The locomotive was later given the name “Tom Thumb” because of its small size and weight.

Detailed explanation-4: -General Tom Thumb, pseudonym of Charles Stratton, (born January 4, 1838, Bridgeport, Connecticut, U.S.-died July 15, 1883, Middleboro, Massachusetts), American showman noted for his small stature. He was the first major attraction promoted by the circus impresario P.T. Barnum.

Detailed explanation-5: -In 1830, Peter Cooper designed, built, and drove the first steam-powered locomotive to operate a public railroad in the United States-a feat of engineering that helped ensure the future success of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad.