Experimental Electric Locomotive Built by Thomas Edison at Menlo Park, N.J., 1880

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Artifact Overview

This experimental machine built by Thomas Edison represented an early American attempt to design a non-battery electric locomotive. Fed by electricity sent through the rails, the locomotive operated over a three-mile track at Edison's Menlo Park, New Jersey, laboratory, hauling passengers at speeds up to 40 mph. The locomotive and two cars were given to The Henry Ford in 1929.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Electric locomotive

Date Made

1880

Creator Notes

Designed by Thomas Edison; engine made by machinist John Kruesi in Menlo Park, New Jersey.

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

29.1980.629

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of the Edison Pioneers.

Material

Iron (Metal)
Wood (Plant material)

Experimental Electric Locomotive Built by Thomas Edison at Menlo Park, N.J., 1880