The Stourbridge Lion carries particular importance in American railroad history as it was the first steam locomotive to be successfully operated during the summer of 1829, one year prior to the Baltimore & Ohio's "Tom Thumb", designed by Peter Cooper. There many "firsts" occurring between 1829 and 1830 in regards to steam power, as it became more and more obvious with each successful test that it was a proven method to move people and goods relatively efficiently and quickly (at least in regards to what was available at the time).

The Lion, purchased by the Delaware & Hudson Canal Company, was not built in the United States but it did prove quite reliable, which is ironic considering after a successful round of testing railroad officials decided against using it. Soon after its trials the locomotive was put into storage and slowly withered away afterwards through sale and salvage. Luckily, the main boiler survives today and is owned by the Smithsonian Institution although it is on loan to the renowned B&O Museum in Baltimore.

Letter to President Andrew Jackson,
from New York Governor Martin Van Buren, dated January 31, 1829.

The canal system of this country is being threatened by the spread of a new form of transportation know as “railroads”.  The federal government must preserve the canals for the following reasons:

One, If canal boats are supplanted by railroads, serious unemployment will result.  Captains, cooks, drivers, hostlers, repairmen and lock tenders will be left without means of livelihood, not to mention the numerous farmers now employed in growing hay for the horses.

Two, Boat builders would suffer and towline, whip and harness makers would be left destitute.

Three, Canal boats are absolutely essential to the defense of the United States.  In the event of unexpected trouble with England, the Erie Canal would be the only means by which we could ever move the supplies so vital to waging modern war.

 As you may well know, Mr. President, “railroad” carriages are pulled at the enormous speed of fifteen miles per hour by “engines” which, in addition to endangering life and limb of passengers, roar and snort their way through the countryside, setting fire to crops, scaring the livestock and freighting women and children.

 The almighty certainly never intended that people should travel at such breakneck speed.