Railroad & Train History Sources for Kids

One of the oldest forms of transportation, but for kids a mode they may not be as familiar with. The links below will help them learn about the history of railroads and trains, how they work, and inspire their imagination while doing so! (note: links will launch in a new window in your browser)

History of Railroads

Railroads as we know them actually began as "Wagonways" in Germany in the 1550's. They were wooden rails with carts pulled by horses. In the 1600's the wooden rails were replaced with iron and became "Tramways".

• History Timeline
• Story of Railroads and Maps
• Steve’s Railroad Glossary
• Railroad Terms Glossary

History of Trains

In the 1800's came the invention of the steam engine and tramways were replaced with steam locomotives and the  trains as we know know them came into being. The ability to move people and goods across great distances and at much faster speeds would have far reaching influences.

• The Train Era
• Railway History
• Transcontinental Railroad
• Age of Steam
• Steam Engine
• Orphan Train

Train Parts

Trains have many parts and each part has a specific task. Trains also uses different energy sources to move down the tracks like steam, diesel, electric, magnets or hydrogen, and each type has its own unique internal and external workings.

• Steam Locomotive
• The Locomotive
• Maglev Trains

What is Riding the Rails Like?

Some trains were passenger trains, some freight, and some both. The spacious rail cars of today are far different from the small and crowded box type cars on the first trains. Not everyone paid to ride and some would hop on to moving trains looking for adventure, work or romance. And riding the rails wasn't without danger or risk.

• Riding the Rails
• The American History Project
• The Great Depression
• Teenagers-Riding the Rails

What Does an Engineer Do?

The Engineer is the person who is responsible for making sure the train gets to each destination. They also direct the train's speed and oversee all mechanical functions. Do you have what it takes to be a train or locomotive engineer

• Locomotive Engineer
• Rail Transportation Career
• For Kids-Careers

Fun Train Facts

• The steepest train fitted with cogwheels is located in Switzerland.
• Railway with the longest straight away is 301 miles long.
• There was rush hour traffic on the Oregon -California trail.
• Great Britain has over 40,000 bridges on the rail system.
• Italy has the only railway that climbs a top a volcano.
• In the 1800’s trains moves at peak speeds of 25mph.
• Shanghai Maglev Train is the fastest high-speed train in service in the world²
• Central Station has the largest platform in the world.
• The first railway in America was used in 1826.
• The heaviest train weighs more than 27,000 elephants.
• More interesting railway facts

Source Citations

¹ Railroad Parts History for Kids
² Ten Fastest Trains in the World