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: -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.

Detailed explanation-3: -One of his most significant accomplishments was the development of the “Tom Thumb” prototype train, the first steam locomotive. Cooper began building it in 1828 at his iron works business in Baltimore.

Detailed explanation-4: -Description. In 1830 the first American-built steam locomotive was designed, the Tom Thumb, by Peter Cooper to show the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad that steam engines should be used to power the new railways as opposed to horse-drawn cars.

Detailed explanation-5: -In 1830, inventor and businessman Peter Cooper developed and built a small coal-burning steam locomotive that was suitable for the B&O’s planned right of way and track, then from Baltimore to Ellicott Mills, MD (now Ellicott City).