The US has a rich history with steam engines producing some of the most iconic and famous trains ever to grace the tracks.
Over the centuries, the country has built engines such as the Big Boys which transported large amounts of goods from one end of the land to the other. These were true behemoths of the railways, allowing freight to reach those in the far flung reaches of the US, and were a key part of the nation's infrastructure.
Now another piece of US steam history is returning to its birthplace. The Ashland number one horse-draw steam fire engine first rolled off the production line in Manchester, New Hampshire 143 years ago and now it is making its way back home, WMUR reports. The Manchester Historic Association is welcoming back the engine after it toured the world showing people the true capabilities of the New England city.
It has had an interesting history since first being built in 1871 by the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company. Just a year after its creation it was instrumental in bringing the great Boston fire of 1872 under control and became a highly sought after piece of equipment. It was sold to the town of Ashland, Massachusetts, where it helped to protect its people until 1921. It then embarked on a variety of journeys that would take it all over the world.
However it will now make its way back to Manchester.
The Manchester Historic Association explained that it will now be housed in the Millyard Museum where people from all over the area, and the country, can come and view one of the most influential pieces of steam in its generation.
Speaking to the news provider, Jeff Myrdek, vice president of the Manchester Historic Association, said: "This is a fantastic piece of equipment. This is Manchester’s history. It went all over the world. It represents what Manchester did and what Manchester continued to do."