The History of Trains

Trains changed the way people traveled and shipped goods. The first trains ran on steam power in the early 1800s. Before trains, long trips took weeks by horse. Trains made those same trips take just days or even hours.

Steam Power

The first steam locomotive was built in 1804 by Richard Trevithick. Steam trains burned coal to heat water into steam. The steam pushed pistons that turned the wheels. Soon, railroad tracks were being built all over the world.

Modern Trains

Today, most trains run on electricity or diesel fuel. High-speed trains can go over 200 miles per hour. Trains carry people to work, move food to stores, and ship packages across countries. They are one of the greenest ways to travel.

Fun Facts

• The Trans-Siberian Railway in Russia is the longest railroad in the world at over 5,700 miles.
• The first passenger railroad opened in England in 1825.
• Some trains in Japan are so punctual that they apologize if they are even one minute late.

Did You Know?

Trains helped build America! The Transcontinental Railroad, finished in 1869, connected the east and west coasts of the United States for the first time.