Creator
George W. Whistler, Jr
Title
Report Upon The use of Anthracite Coal in Locomotive Engines on the Reading Rail Road: Made to the President of the Philadelphia and Reading Rail Road Company
Coverage
Baltimore
Publisher
J. D. Toy
Date
1849
Description
This study was borne out of economic necessity. Originally steam locomotives in the United States were wood fired. As the number of steam locomotives expanded, the price of wood increased. George Whistler’s report discusses the practicality of using coal from the mines served by the Reading Railroad. Other railroads began studies of their own and by the 1850’s many were converting to coal. Eventually, this fuel source would be ubiquitous on railroads.