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.

Three generations of American steam locomotive development contrast dramatically at Greenfield Village. The replica of the 1831 DeWitt Clinton represents the earliest days. The 1858 Sam Hill characterizes locomotives of the mid nineteenth century. The mammoth 1941 Allegheny symbolizes the peak of steam locomotive technology. Larger size brought greater power, and the Allegheny reached the practical limits of both.

In February 1940, MGM premiered its film Young Tom Edison in Edison's boyhood home of Port Huron, Michigan. The movie starred Mickey Rooney as the young inventor. Rooney and other dignitaries arrived in Port Huron on a train lent by Henry Ford. The train followed the same route traveled by Edison in his youth when he sold candy and newspapers to passengers.

In February 1940, MGM premiered its film Young Tom Edison in Edison's boyhood home of Port Huron, Michigan. The movie starred Mickey Rooney as the young inventor. Rooney and other dignitaries arrived in Port Huron on a train lent by Henry Ford. The train followed the same route traveled by Edison in his youth when he sold candy and newspapers to passengers.

Henry Ford acquired the 4-4-0 steam locomotive Satilla, built in 1858 by Rogers Locomotive Works for Georgia's Atlantic & Gulf Railroad, in 1924. Ford had the locomotive restored at Ford Motor Company's Rouge factory. The refurbished locomotive pulled Ford, Thomas Edison, and President Herbert Hoover from Detroit to Dearborn for The Henry Ford's dedication ceremonies in 1929.

Henry Ford and his honored guests, Thomas Edison and President Herbert Hoover, traveled to The Henry Ford's 1929 dedication ceremonies in grand fashion. The 1858 steam locomotive Satilla pulled the party from Detroit to the relocated Smiths Creek Depot -- where a young Edison had been thrown off a train for conducting chemistry experiments -- in Greenfield Village.

On October 21, 1929, Henry Ford hosted an elaborate celebration in Dearborn, Michigan, to honor his friend Thomas A. Edison. Known as Light's Golden Jubilee, the date marked the 50th anniversary of Edison's invention of a practical incandescent lamp. The day's festivities began with Edison's arrival -- escorted by Ford and President Hoover -- at Smiths Creek Station in Ford's Greenfield Village.

In February 1940, MGM premiered its film Young Tom Edison in Edison's boyhood home of Port Huron, Michigan. The movie starred Mickey Rooney as the young inventor. Rooney and other dignitaries arrived in Port Huron on a train lent by Henry Ford. The train followed the same route traveled by Edison in his youth when he sold candy and newspapers to passengers.