Michigan Central Railroad Car, 1848

Summary

The American railroad passenger car evolved quickly. The four-wheel models of the early 1830s, based on horse-drawn stagecoaches, gave way to longer eight-wheel coaches by 1840. Unlike European cars, which were sectioned into small compartments, American coaches had an open layout that was less expensive to build and more in keeping with the country's democratic ideals.

The American railroad passenger car evolved quickly. The four-wheel models of the early 1830s, based on horse-drawn stagecoaches, gave way to longer eight-wheel coaches by 1840. Unlike European cars, which were sectioned into small compartments, American coaches had an open layout that was less expensive to build and more in keeping with the country's democratic ideals.

Artifact

Print (Visual work)

Date Made

1865-1870

Subject Date

1848

Collection Title

Seymour Dunbar Collection 

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

82.129.1111

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Paper (Fiber product)

Technique

Printing (Process)
Wood engraving (Process)
Typewriting

Dimensions

Height: 2 in

Width: 4.25 in

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