John Bull Replica

The original John Bull locomotive was purchased by the Camden and Amboy Railroad from British builder Robert Stephenson and Company. Assembled by engineer Isaac Dripps in ten days, it underwent modifications including a tender, headlight, and the first cowcatcher. In 1871, the Pennsylvania Railroad acquired it and restored it for the 1876 Centennial Exposition. Donated to the Smithsonian in 1884, it operated at fairs for over 50 years. Due to preservation concerns, a working replica was built for the 1940 New York World’s Fair and also ran at the 1948-49 Chicago Railroad Fair. The replica was restored and operated under power several times between 1983 and 1999.