Sprague Railway Motor, Used by the Richmond Union Passenger Railway, 1887
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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.
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
Motor
Date Made
1887
Keywords
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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