The steam train was invented by Richard Trevithick, who designed and demonstrated the first steam locomotive on rails in 1804. Trevithick's locomotive successfully hauled a load of iron over nearly 10 miles, marking a key milestone in steam railway history. Later, George Stephenson made steam trains practical for widespread use with improved and more reliable designs in the early 19th century, including the famous Rocket in 1829 which helped establish steam locomotives in industrial transport.
Key Inventors:
- Richard Trevithick: Invented and demonstrated the first high-pressure steam locomotive in 1804.
- George Stephenson: Built the first practical steam locomotives starting in 1814 and revolutionized railway transport with efficient designs by 1829.
Trevithick’s work laid the foundation for the steam train, but Stephenson’s innovations made steam trains commercially viable and influential for the Industrial Revolution.
