The Camden-Amboy Railroad and the John Bull Train

The Camden-Amboy Railroad was built to transport people and freight to the port cities of Philadelphia and NYC. Ferry boats took people from Philadelphia to Camden, NJ to the train. The train ran across central New Jersey to the port city of Perth Amboy. There freight could be loaded on boats to Europe or people could travel by ferry to New York.

The Stevens Family Colonel John Stevens, often referred to as the “father of American Railroading” was a strong advocate for new types of travel using steam engines. His steamboat “Phoenix” ran between Philadelphia and Trenton starting in 1809.

In 1825 Colonel John Stevens had a “steam waggon” built, which ran on rails. Colonel Stevens used his knowledge and fortune to promote railroads, first in New Jersey and then in Pennsylvania. Mr. John Buckelew, a prominent businessman, shared the dream of transporting goods by rail and bought his house and lands to be part of the new venture.

Robert Stevens The Colonel’s son, Robert Stevens, imported a steam locomotive engine from Liverpool, England. It arrived in pieces and without instructions. Mechanic Isaac Dripps and his crew had never seen a locomotive before, but knew steamboats and assembled the engine.

On November 12, 1831 the locomotive pulled several cars full of politicians over a short distance of track. Several months later enough track was laid to allow regular service. Construction continued through the spring of 1833 to continue the track the rest of the way to Perth Amboy. This was the first successful commercial railroad in the country.

The John Bull During the first few years 15 more locomotives were built by the mechanics. The #1 train, from England, was nicknamed the “John Bull”. “John Bull” is the English version of “Uncle Sam”, or a pretend character who represents the country England.

Come to the Lakeview House to learn more about early transportation.