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Samson, first locomotive in North America to burn coal and the first to run over all-iron rails. Built in New Shildon, England, it was shipped to Pictou, NS, to haul coal from the Albion Mines 9.6 km over a tramway to Dunbar Point on Pictou Harbour.
Samson
Samson, first locomotive in North America to burn coal and the first to run over all-iron rails. Built in New Shildon, England, it was shipped to Pictou, NS, to haul coal from the Albion Mines 9.6 km over a tramway to Dunbar Point on Pictou Harbour.
The railway, built of cast-iron rails believed to be the first rails manufactured in North America, was officially opened 19 Sept 1839. The Samson was one of 3 locomotives and it was in service for nearly 30 years. Exhibited at the Chicago World's Fair in 1893, it was eventually returned to NS and is on display in New Glasgow.
