This Day in Railroad History

March 18

1835
191 years ago
OpeningGermany

Opening of the Nuremberg–Fürth Railway

Nuremberg–Fürth Railway

Nuremberg

The Nuremberg–Fürth Railway in Germany became the first steam-powered public railway on the European continent, marking a pivotal step in continental rail expansion and demonstrating the feasibility of rail transport beyond Britain.

1935
91 years ago
InnovationUnited States

Introduction of the Burlington Zephyr

Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad

Chicago

The Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad unveiled the Burlington Zephyr, a streamlined diesel-electric train that revolutionized speed and efficiency in passenger rail travel across the United States.

1869
157 years ago
ConstructionUnited States

Union Pacific Reaches Ogden, Utah

Union Pacific Railroad

Ogden

As part of the Transcontinental Railroad project, the Union Pacific Railroad extended its line to Ogden, Utah, accelerating cross-country connectivity and symbolizing America's westward expansion during the post-Civil War era.

1883
143 years ago
ConstructionUnited States

Southern Pacific Railroad Extension to Tucson

Southern Pacific Railroad

Tucson

The Southern Pacific Railroad completed its line to Tucson, Arizona, enhancing connectivity in the American Southwest and facilitating mining, agriculture, and settlement in the region.

1965
61 years ago
ConstructionUnited States

Groundbreaking of San Francisco BART

Bay Area Rapid Transit

San Francisco

The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system began construction in San Francisco, introducing modern automated rail transit to alleviate urban congestion and connect the Bay Area's growing suburbs.

Explore Our Complete Railroad History Archive

RailScanPro subscribers get access to our complete archive of railroad historical events, with advanced search, filtering, and the ability to explore events by railroad, location, and era.