Peter Cooper
Peter cooper
Richard Trevithick
George Stephenson
George Stephenson (British inventor)
Richard Trevithick's invention is considered the first tramway locomotive, however, it was a road locomotive, designed for a road and not for a railroad. However, Trevithick's accomplishments were many and the inventor did not fully recieve the credit he was due during his lifetime.
The earliest steam locomotive was built in 1804 by Richard Trevithick and Andrew Vivan.
Britain was the main force in the invention and development of the steam engine and steam locomotives. The first steam locomotive to run in America, was imported from Britain, called the Stourbridge Lion.
An inventor might name a locomotive The Rocket to indicate it goes fast. Or perhaps they are saying that if you ride it, it is a big deal, like taking a rocket to space.
Shay
George Stephenson
Shay
In the 1780's or 90's American inventor John Fitch build one of the earliest working prototypes of the railroad steam engine.