Matthias Baldwin
Born Nov 10 1795 - Died Sep 7 1886

Steam Locomotive
Patent Number(s) 8,401x

Inducted 2005

Matthias Baldwin built America's first great locomotive. The nation's first train passengers rode behind Baldwin's engines, including the historic ``Old Ironsides,'' which could go as fast as 28 miles per hour and pull up to 30 tons. The Baldwin Locomotive Works built more than 1,500 locomotives by the time of Baldwin's death, helping to establish America's early railroad system.

Invention Impact

His full-scale locomotive, Old Ironsides, was the first locomotive to carry passengers. Baldwin invented a series of improvements, including a high-pressure steam engine that was much more powerful than prior engines.

The Baldwin Locomotive Works produced more than 1,500 locomotives by the time of his death. Most of Baldwin's railroad equipment was sold in America, although some were also sold across Europe and South America.

Inventor Bio

Born in Elizabethtown, New Jersey, Baldwin began his career as a printer, engraver and bookbinder. After he invented an improved process for printing calico, a member of the Philadelphia museum approached him about the lack of Americans able to build locomotives. He responded by building a small four-passenger demonstration locomotive for the museum.