fbpx

Steam Wagon

Collection Type

  • Toys and games

Date

1829

GUSN

GUSN-267454

Description

Model of a steam locomotive with two wheels and a smoke stack.

Details

Descriptive Terms

mechanical toys
steam engines (engines)
Locomotive, Steam

Label

According to the Misses Allen: In 1829, Andrew J. Allen, grandfather of the donors, conceived the idea that there must be some way for transportation other than by horse power. He had William T. James of New York build the model of the first locomotive to show the public what could be done. The model was one of several steam engines exhibited in Faneuil Hall for the Exhibition of Manufacturers and Works of Art beginning on September 18, 1837. It ran on a circular track pulling one car that visitors could ride on for 25 cents per person.

Inscription

"William T. James, New York, Patent 1829"

Maker

James, William T. (Inventor)

Dimensions

36 x 17 (HxW) (inches)

Credit Line

Gift of the Misses Nellie and Carrie Allen

Accession Number

1931.340

Reparative Language in Collections Records

Historic New England is committed to implementing reparative language description for existing collections and creating respectful and inclusive language description for new collections. If you encounter language in Historic England's Collections Access Portal that is harmful or offensive, or you find materials that would benefit from a content warning, please contact [email protected].