This Day in Railroad History

March 27

1851
175th anniversary
OpeningPE

Inauguration of South America's First Railway

Lima-Callao

On March 27, 1851, the Lima-Callao railway in Peru became the first operational railroad in South America, marking a pivotal step in continental transportation by connecting the port of Callao to the capital city and facilitating trade and economic growth.

1905
121 years ago
OpeningUnited Kingdom

First Electric Train on London Underground

London Underground

London

The London Underground introduced its first electric multiple-unit train on the District Line, marking a shift from steam to electric power and improving urban transit.

1848
178 years ago
OpeningAustria

Opening of Vienna's First Railway Line

Kaiser-Ferdinands-Nordbahn

Vienna

The inaugural run of the Kaiser-Ferdinands-Nordbahn marked Austria's entry into the railway age, connecting Vienna to other regions and boosting industrial growth.

1884
142 years ago
OpeningUnited States

Opening of the Brooklyn Bridge with Rail Service

New York and Brooklyn Bridge Railway

New York City

The Brooklyn Bridge's debut included elevated rail lines, revolutionizing urban transportation between New York and Brooklyn by easing commuter traffic and symbolizing American engineering prowess.

1963
63 years ago
InnovationUnited Kingdom

Last Steam-Hauled Passenger Train in Britain

British Rail

Manchester

British Rail's final steam passenger service marked the end of an era, transitioning to diesel and electric power for greater efficiency and modernization of the national network.

1883
143 years ago
ConstructionUnited States

Completion of Chesapeake and Ohio Railway Extension

Chesapeake and Ohio Railway

Virginia

The Chesapeake and Ohio Railway extended its line on March 27, 1883, enhancing connectivity in the eastern United States by linking key coal regions to major ports, which boosted industrial shipping and economic expansion in the Appalachian area.

1987
39 years ago
ConstructionUnited Kingdom

Start of Channel Tunnel Construction

Eurotunnel

Folkestone

Preliminary works for the Channel Tunnel began, linking Britain and France via an undersea rail tunnel and revolutionizing cross-Channel travel.

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