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.
when did scheduled common carrier freight and passenger service begin in the u.s. ​
May 1830