Old Ironsides
November 23, 1832
Commuting to and from the daily grind in Philadelphia changed dramatically on this day in 1832. Months prior in June, the areas first railroad The Philadelphia, Germantown and Norristown moved its first passengers. The cars, originally drawn by horse took 45 minutes to complete the 6 mile trip between Germantown and 9th Street & Green Steet in the city.
Debuted on the 23rd of November, Old Ironsides, a steam locomotive built by jeweler and silversmith Matthias W. Baldwin completed the same trip in 28 minutes. Portions of this route continue to be serviced by Septa as the Chestnut Hill East Line.
