The Camden-Amboy Railroad

1. The Camden-Amboy Railroad and the John Bull Train

2. The Camden-Amboy Railroad was built to transport people and freight to the port cities of Philadelphia and NYC. • Ferry boats took people from Philadelphia to Camden, NJ to the train. • The train ran across central New Jersey to the port city of Perth Amboy. • There freight could be loaded on boats to Europe or people could travel by ferry to New York.

3. The Stevens Family • Colonel John Stevens, often referred to as the “father of American Railroading” was a strong advocate for new types of travel using steam engines. • His steamboat “Phoenix” ran between Philadelphia and Trenton starting in 1809.

4. In 1825 Colonel John Stevens had a “steam waggon” built, which ran on rails. • Colonel Stevens used his knowledge and fortune to promote railroads, first in New Jersey and then in Pennsylvania. • Mr. John Buckelew, a prominent businessman, shared the dream of transporting goods by rail and bought his house and lands to be part of the new venture.

5. Robert Stevens • The Colonel’s son, Robert Stevens, imported a steam locomotive engine from Liverpool, England. • It arrived in pieces and without instructions. • Mechanic Isaac Dripps and his crew had never seen a locomotive before, but knew steamboats and assembled the engine.

6. On November 12, 1831 the locomotive pulled several cars full of politicians over a short distance of track. • Several months later enough track was laid to allow regular service. • Construction continued through the spring of 1833 to continue the track the rest of the way to Perth Amboy. • This was the first successful commercial railroad in the country.

7. The John Bull • During the first few years 15 more locomotives were built by the mechanics. • The #1 train, from England, was nicknamed the “John Bull”. • “John Bull” is the English version of “Uncle Sam”, or a pretend character who represents the country England.

8. Come to the Lakeview House to learn more about early transportation.