Steam Locomotive "Sam Hill," 1858

Artifact Overview

This 1858 Rogers steam locomotive is typical of those used in the United States in the second half of the 19th century. Its flexible wheel arrangement, high power output, and light weight were well suited to the tight curves, steep grades, and hastily constructed track that characterized American railroads. This locomotive struck an agreeable balance between practicality, safety, and economy.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Steam locomotive

Date Made

1858

Creators

Rogers Locomotive Works

Place of Creation

United States, New Jersey, Paterson

Location

at Henry Ford Museum in Transportation - Trains

Object ID

28.680.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Brass (Alloy)
Leather
Metal
Wood (Plant material)

Color

Black (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 158.5 in
Width: 107 in
Length: 47.66 ft
Weight: undefined lbs

Inscriptions

Sides of tender: ATLANTIC & GULF R.R. Sides of cab: SAM HILL Number plate on front of smokebox: BALDWIN LOCOMOTIVE WORKS 1860 / THE PRESIDENT / OCT. 21, 1929

Keywords	United States, Florida Steam locomotives Railroad trains United States presidents Hoover, Herbert, 1874-1964 Atlantic & Gulf Railroad Company Henry Ford (Organization). Greenfield Village Savannah, Albany, and Gulf Rail Road Company Savannah, Florida and Western Railway Company Light's Golden Jubilee (1929) Railroads (Infrastructure)