This Day in Railroad History

World's Columbian Exposition Rail Exhibits

Chicago

The Chicago World's Fair opened showcasing advanced locomotives and rail technologies to millions of visitors.

First Diesel-Electric Streamliner Debut

Union Pacific Railroad

Omaha

The Union Pacific M-10000 streamliner makes its public debut, revolutionizing passenger rail travel.

B&O Railroad Opens First Section

Baltimore and Ohio Railroad

Baltimore

The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad begins service on its initial 13-mile line from Baltimore to Ellicott's Mills, Maryland.

First Railway Opens in Hokkaido

Hokkaido Railway

Sapporo

Japan's first railway line in Hokkaido begins operations, connecting key ports and spurring northern development.

Simplon Tunnel Construction Milestone

Jura-Simplon Railway

Brig

Breakthrough achieved in the Simplon Tunnel, one of Europe's longest rail tunnels at the time.

Trans-Siberian Railway Construction Begins

Trans-Siberian Railway

Vladivostok

Groundbreaking occurs for the Trans-Siberian Railway near Vladivostok, launching one of history's greatest engineering projects.

Pacific Railway Act Signed

Union Pacific Railroad

Washington, D.C.

President Lincoln signed the Pacific Railway Act authorizing construction of the First Transcontinental Railroad.