Sprague Railway Motor, Used by the Richmond Union Passenger Railway, 1887
THF166360 / Sprague Railway Motor, Used by the Richmond Union Passenger Railway, 1887
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Artifact Overview
The Sprague Electric Railway and Motor Company created this motor for the Richmond Union Passenger Railway in 1887. Most streetcar systems at this time, like the one in Richmond, Virginia, relied on horses or mules to move people. Richmond's new 12-mile streetcar line--effectively powered by motors like this one--became the first successful large-scale electric street railway system and the prototype for future systems in other American cities.
Artifact Details
Artifact
Motor
Date Made
1887
Place of Creation
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
29.1980.631
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of the Edison Pioneers.
Material
Metal
Color
Black (Color)
Dimensions
Height: 13 in
Width: 27 in
Length: 46 in
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Related Content
SetElectric Stories - 2015-2017 IMLS Grant Project
- 22 Artifacts
In 2015, The Henry Ford received a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to digitize a selection of artifacts related to electric power generation and distribution. Many hidden stories have come to light as staff cataloged, photographed, and conserved these objects. This expert set presents just a small sampling of those artifacts and their stories preserved by The Henry Ford.
articleBehind the Scenes with IMLS: “Extra Large” Objects
Learn about our IMLS grant work on "extra large" artifacts, including historically significant motors, electrostatic producers, and transformers—and dive deep into the conservation of a Sprague Railway Motor from the 19th century.