This Day in Railroad History

March 1

1936
90th anniversary
OpeningUnited States

First run of the Hiawatha passenger train

Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad

Chicago to Minneapolis

The Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad launched the Hiawatha, a streamlined passenger service that set new standards for speed and comfort on routes between Chicago and the Twin Cities.

1907
119 years ago
InnovationUnited Kingdom

Great Western Railway's City of Truro exceeds 100 mph

Great Western Railway

Plymouth to Bristol

The Great Western Railway's locomotive City of Truro became the first in the world to officially record a speed over 100 mph during a test run, marking a leap in steam engine technology and high-speed rail capabilities.

1927
99 years ago
OpeningJapan

Opening of Tokyo Metro Ginza Line

Tokyo Metro

Tokyo

Japan's first subway system, the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, opened to the public, revolutionizing urban transport in Asia and setting the stage for modern metropolitan rail networks.

1869
157 years ago
ConstructionUnited States

Completion of Summit Tunnel by Central Pacific Railroad

Central Pacific Railroad

Sierra Nevada Mountains

The Central Pacific Railroad finished the Summit Tunnel through the Sierra Nevada mountains, a critical step in the Transcontinental Railroad project, overcoming harsh weather and geological challenges to connect the western U.S.

Showing 5 of 8 events for this date.

View Full Archive

Explore Our Complete Railroad History Archive

RailScanPro subscribers get access to our complete archive of railroad historical events, with advanced search, filtering, and the ability to explore events by railroad, location, and era.