Railroads

Discover the powerful engines that opened up the American West to settlement and changed the commerce of a young growing nation.

Daily Activities at Railroads

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Our impressive railroad exhibit features streetcars and trains, including one of the largest steam locomotives ever built. Designed for the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway in 1941, the Allegheny locomotive is 125 feet long, weighs about 771,000 pounds, and could pull 160 coal cars, each with a 60-ton load, through the steep grades of the Allegheny Mountains.

Model Train Display: Located near the Allegheny locomotive, our model train display is a highlight for all ages. Undergoing holiday transformations, and even featuring a 1:58 scale model of our famous 1601 Allegheny locomotive on Mondays, our historical model trains add a special touch to our Railroads exhibit.

Highlights

Railroads

Check out some of the amazing inventions you'll see first-hand when you take a journey through our Railroads exhibit in Henry Ford Museum.

Dewitt Clinton Steam Locomotive

This replica of an 1831 steam locomotive was built for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago.  

Detroit, Toledo and Ironton Railroad Caboose

This 1925 caboose was the conductor's office, crew quarters, and observation deck to spot problems.  

Moving America

For a more than a hundred years, railroads moved people and goods across America.  

Getting Close

See the "iron horses" that helped America settle the West.