<P> The Americans closely followed and copied British railroad technology . The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad was the first common carrier and started passenger train service in May 1830 , initially using horses to pull train cars . The South Carolina Canal and Rail Road Company was the first to use steam locomotives regularly beginning with the Best Friend of Charleston , the first American - built locomotive intended for revenue service , in December 1830 . </P>
<P> The Americans closely followed and copied British railroad technology . The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad was the first common carrier and started passenger train service in May 1830 , initially using horses to pull train cars . The South Carolina Canal and Rail Road Company was the first to use steam locomotives regularly beginning with the Best Friend of Charleston , the first American - built locomotive intended for revenue service , in December 1830 . </P>
when did scheduled common carrier freight and passenger service begin in the u.s. ​
when did scheduled common carrier freight and passenger service begin in the u.s. ​
May 1830
May 1830