Best Friend of Charleston Replica. Richland Library.

Best Friend of Charleston

1830–1831

Images

South Carolina Rail Road Engine and Cars

A replica of the 1830 train known as the “Best Friend” can be seen in this c.1928 photograph. The original “Best Friend” was made at the West Point Foundry in New York and was operated by the South Carolina Canal and Rail Road system connecting Charleston with inland markets. The train’s premier trip was December 25, 1830. The train was destroyed by fire in 1831. It was known as the first train to be built entirely in the United States. In 1928, the “Best Friend of Charleston” was replicated to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the South Carolina Canal and Rail Road Company. The replica toured the United States, offering passengers the opportunity to experience early train travel. The location in unidentified.

Citation Information

The following information is provided for citations.

  • Title Best Friend of Charleston
  • Coverage 1830–1831
  • Author
  • Keywords first locomotive built in the United States for public service, South Carolina Canal and Rail Road Company, used slaves to work on the line, both as laborers and as firemen to regulate the steam engine, engine was rebuilt and rechristened the Phoenix
  • Website Name South Carolina Encyclopedia
  • Publisher University of South Carolina, Institute for Southern Studies
  • URL
  • Access Date March 29, 2024
  • Original Published Date
  • Date of Last Update July 19, 2022
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