Railroads, Innovation, and the Race for the New York Market

In ‘This Week in History,’ B&O Railroad’s dominance was undercut by a growing competitor, resulting in an industry-changing innovation.

A new train built at the Baldwin Locomotive Works, in Philadelphia, for B&O Railroad. Public Domain

Two hundred years ago in 1825, John Stevens built America’s first railroad. It was a 200-foot circular track located in Hoboken, New Jersey, which he founded. The train moved along the track at six miles per hour. Stevens knew railroads would be the next big thing.

A replica of the 1825 steam engine that John Stevens built. Public Domain