Railroad iron refers to the iron bars or rails used in the construction of railway tracks during the 19th and early 20th centuries. These were typically made from wrought iron before the adoption of steel for greater durability.

Key Characteristics:

• Material: Early railroad iron was made of wrought iron, which was strong and malleable but prone to wear over time.

• Design: Shaped as flat or “T-shaped” rails, later evolving into more standardized forms for greater stability.

• Durability Issues: Wrought iron rails were gradually replaced by steel rails, which offered improved strength and longevity.

Role in Transportation History:

Railroad iron was vital to the expansion of railways in North America, enabling the movement of goods and people across vast distances. Great Lakes vessels, such as the schooner Hannah Counter, frequently transported railroad iron to construction sites and railway hubs, contributing to the rapid growth of the rail industry.

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