George Stephenson
George Stephenson is a British engineer widely known for developing the first practical steam locomotive. He was born in June 9, 1781 in Wylam, Northumberland, England and would die on August 12, 1848. Stephenson was largely self-educated, having received only a basic education in the schools of Wylam and Killingworth.
When Stephenson was a young boy, he worked in Wylam Colliery to help support his family. His father was a fireman there and George worked as a brakesman and engine-wright. From the age of 19, Stephenson was in charge of improving the colliery’s technology and the quality of the coal production. He was eventually promoted to the position of engineer for the colliery.
The next step for Stephenson was to use his experience in mining engineering and apply it to developing a locomotive. In 1814, at the age of 33, he presented a design for a steam locomotive to the Killingworth colliery shareholders. The engine was called the Blucher and sped along at four miles per hour, the first successful passenger train.
In 1821, he was appointed to become chief engineer for the Stockton and Darlington Railway, creating a 22-mile steam railway from their local coal pits to the sea port in Stockton. During the construction of this railroad, he created the locomotive called the “The Rocket.” In 1825, Stephenson invited the directors of the company to his house and presented the first trial of the locomotive. After the engine was tested and graded, Stephenson made a bet that the train would travel coast-to-coast quicker than any other form of transportation at the time. To this day the “Rocket” is the fastest locomotive to ever have been built.
Stephenson’s legacy is seen all around the world. His designs aided the development of locomotives far beyond British soil and his innovations helped develop the railway system. In rail transport, momentum is key and Stephenson was able to create enough momentum to enable locomotives and railroads to be world-wide. The railways set up and expanded British industry, commerce, and trade.
During his life, Stephenson gathered several awards for his inventions. He was made a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath in 1847, four years before his death. He was died at his home in Chesterfield and was buried in Holy Trinity Church in Aston, Birmingham.
