Machiasport Railroad “Lion”, Steam locomotive in Machiasport, Maine, US
The Machiasport Railroad Lion is a steam locomotive built by Hinkley Locomotive Works, representing a compact and sturdy machine designed for industrial hauling work. The engine displays the practical construction methods used in 19th-century locomotive manufacturing, with a simple wheel arrangement that made it reliable for repeated daily use.
The locomotive entered service in 1846 and operated until 1890, serving nearly half a century of transportation needs in Maine's railroad development. Its long working life demonstrates the durability of the design and the importance of such machines to regional commerce during that era.
The National Register of Historic Places included this locomotive on December 15, 1976, recognizing its role in American railroad engineering and transportation history.
The locomotive is located in Machiasport, where it remains connected to the region's transportation heritage. Visitors can see it in a setting that reflects its historical role in the community, though you should check ahead about access and any seasonal limitations.
The locomotive was built by Hinkley Locomotive Works, one of the major American manufacturers of the 1800s whose engines were shipped across the country. While the company produced hundreds of locomotives, only a handful have survived to the present day, making this one a rare remnant.
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