Experimental Electric Locomotive Built by Thomas Edison at Menlo Park, N.J, 1880

Summary

This experimental locomotive, built by Thomas Edison, represented one of the first American attempts to create a non-battery electric locomotive. Fed by electricity sent through the rails, the locomotive operated over a three-mile track at Edison's Menlo Park, New Jersey, laboratory. It hauled passengers at speeds up to 40 miles per hour.

This experimental locomotive, built by Thomas Edison, represented one of the first American attempts to create a non-battery electric locomotive. Fed by electricity sent through the rails, the locomotive operated over a three-mile track at Edison's Menlo Park, New Jersey, laboratory. It hauled passengers at speeds up to 40 miles per hour.

Artifact

Electric locomotive

Date Made

1880

Creators

Edison, Thomas A. (Thomas Alva), 1847-1931 

Kruesi, John, 1843-1899 

Place of Creation

United States, New Jersey, Edison, Menlo Park 

Creator Notes

Designed by Thomas Edison; engine made by machinist John Kruesi in Menlo Park, New Jersey.

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

29.1980.629

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of the Edison Pioneers.

Material

Iron (Metal)
Wood (Plant material)

Related Content

Connect 3

Discover curious connections between artifacts.

Learn More