The first American locomotive was built by John Steven's in 1825. He tested his locomotive on a circular track at his home in Hoboken NJ..
John Steven's was granted the first charter for a steam powered railroad in America in March 21, 1823. The company was incorporated as the Pennsylvania railroad. The first part of the railroad was opened in 1829, and the line was completed between Columbia PA and Philadelphia on April 16th 1834

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