On This Day Christmas 1830

Tweet

On December 25, 1830, the Best Friend of Charleston made its inaugural run, marking the first American-built steam locomotive to pull a passenger train on a public railroad. The locomotive was constructed by New York's West Point Foundry and transported to Charleston in October 1830, amidst an economic decline in the city due to westward migration. A group of merchants had established the South Carolina Canal and Rail Road Company (SCC&RR) in 1827 to connect Charleston to inland markets. The train initially traveled a six-mile route at speeds of 15 to 25 miles per hour, quickly becoming one of the fastest means of travel available, second only to a well-trained horse. However, on June 17, 1831, the Best Friend suffered the first American train boiler explosion, injuring its crew, which led to new safety regulations. Despite its brief operational life, the locomotive revived Charleston's economy and initiated regular steam passenger service. Commemorative replicas were created in 1928, with displays located in Atlanta and Columbia, and a museum dedicated to the locomotive opened later. Do you love trains? I do.