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Cooper's "Tom Thumb", first locomotive built in America...



Item # 649019

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September 04, 1830

NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Sept. 4, 1830  This small size newspaper began in 1811 and was a prime source for national political news of the first half of the 19th century. As noted in Wikipedia, this title: "...(was) one of the most widely-circulated magazines in the United States...Devoted primarily to politics...considered an important source for the history of the period."
The front page has a report of the inauguration of the first railroad locomotive built in America. Headed: "Baltimore and Ohio Rail Road" the report begins by reporting the completion of the past piece of the 13 mile railroad line to Ellicott's Mills & the formal placement of the keystone in the last arch (see) They make mention of Peter Cooper's steam-powered railway engine (the 'Tom Thumb' but not mentioned here by name) with: "Twenty-four of the persons who witnessed the ceremony were taken to the spot by Mr. Cooper's locomotive engine--the whole weight moved being about 4 1/2 tons. The thirteen miles were made in 61 minutes including four lost in taking in water, on the return--4 additional passengers (30 in all) being added. One of the miles was performed in 3 m. 50 sec. This engine is yet new--and many improvements have already suggested themselves to Mr. Cooper...witnessed the performance of Mr. Cooper's engine, speaks very highly of it & of the road..." with more (see images). See the hyperlink above for information which corroborates this report in Niles'.
Much other news of the day in the following pages, including a lengthy "Speech of Henry Clay".
Sixteen pages, 6 1/4 by 9 1/2 inches, scattered lite foxing, otherwise in very good condition.

Category: Pre-Civil War