The First Quarter-Century of Steam Locomotives in North America Remaining Relics and Operable Replicas with a Catalog of Locomotive Models in the U. S. National Museum. United States National Museum Bulletin 210

"The First Quarter-Century of Steam Locomotives in North America" by Smith Hempstone Oliver is a mid-20th century study concentrating on the evolution and protection of steam locomotives in North America, starting from their beginnings in the early 1800s. It presents a record of existing models and look-alikes, stressing their role in forming train travel and its effects on American life. The beginning of the book prepares readers for a close study of steam engines, pointing out the wistful feelings about their fall in the middle of the 20th century as diesel engines took over. It goes over the first thinkers in engine design, like Col. John Stevens, and looks at certain models and how they helped railway history. The beginning part also tells about the writer’s complete research work, aiming to protect the background and meaning of these first machines that were very important in pushing forward travel all over North America.