Opening of the Berlin-Hamburg Railway

On June 5, 1847, the Berlin-Hamburg Railway completed its 286 km main line, one of the earliest long-distance routes in Germany. Engineer August Borsig supplied the locomotives, which were advanced 2-2-2 steam engines capable of 60 km/h speeds. This connection boosted trade and travel between Prussia's capital and its northern port, overcoming engineering challenges like marshy terrain with innovative embankments. It laid groundwork for Germany's unified rail network and influenced later expansions during industrialization.