The History of the First Locomotives in America by William H. Brown provides a rare, insightful look at life for those who witnessed the advent of the steam locomotive. Originally published in 1874, it was written from the perspective of those who lived during the development of this “great mechanical blessing” and evokes the spirit of the 19th century as seldom experienced in other historical works.Narrated through firsthand accounts — from the traveler to engineer, private citizen to political activist — this book explores the locomotive’s evolutionary development. It traces its early struggles for acceptance, problems and advances, great debates (train vs. canal), competitions, earliest railroads, experimental locomotives, and first trains such as the “Tom Thumb,” “DeWitt Clinton,” and “Best Friend” all beautifully written in period vernacular.