First Railway Opens in Hokkaido

On May 20, 1874, the first railway in Hokkaido, Japan, opened between Temiya and Sapporo, marking a pivotal moment in the island's modernization. This 33-kilometer line, built under the guidance of American engineer Joseph U. Crawford, utilized 3 ft 6 in gauge tracks and featured early steam locomotives imported from the United States. The project overcame harsh terrain and climate challenges, including volcanic soil and heavy snowfall, to link coal mines with the port of Otaru. It played a crucial role in Japan's Meiji-era industrialization by facilitating resource transport and encouraging settlement in the north. The success of this line laid the foundation for the extensive Hokkaido railway network, influencing later expansions like the Hakodate Main Line and demonstrating how rail infrastructure could transform remote regions.