overall: 5 5/16 ft x 5 ft x 11 5/16 ft; 1.62458 m x 1.524 m x 3.45338 m
Object Name:
steam wagon
Other Terms:
steam wagon; Road
Place made:
United States: New York, New York City
Date made:
1866
Description:
The Dudgeon steam wagon is one of the earliest self-propelled road vehicles built in the United States. Richard Dudgeon, a machinist who was known for his commercially produced hydraulic jacks, designed and built a steam-powered wagon because he hoped to end the abuse and mistreatment of horses. The wagon resembles a small locomotive, but it has a steering wheel and seats for the driver and eight passengers. Dudgeon drove the vehicle on New York City streets and at his farm on Long Island. It burned coal and ran at a top speed of 25 to 30 miles per hour.
