The railroad was first developed in Great Britain. A man named George Stephenson successfully applied the steam technology of the day and created the world's first successful locomotive. The first engines used in the United States were purchased from the Stephenson Works in England.
Currently, the U.S. freight rail network has over 140,000 rail miles in operation. This system employees at least 221,000 people throughout the country and is a large part of our transportation industry. For the most part, freight moves through the U.S. by rail and truck, with rail making up 39.50% of shipments.