Sandusky (locomotive)

The Sandusky was an early American steam locomotive built in 1837 by the firm of Thomas Rogers for the Mad River and Lake Erie Railroad in Ohio. It was named after the city of Sandusky, Ohio, which was a major port on Lake Erie that the railroad aimed to connect with the interior of the state.

The Sandusky was a 4-2-0 type locomotive, meaning it had four leading wheels (arranged as a leading truck), two driving wheels, and no trailing wheels. This wheel arrangement was common in early American locomotives, allowing for greater stability on the relatively uneven and lightly constructed tracks of the time. It was known for its speed, achieving speeds of up to 45 miles per hour during trials, an impressive feat for the era.

The locomotive played a significant role in the early development of railroads in Ohio and the Midwest. Its performance demonstrated the potential of steam locomotives for fast and efficient transportation, contributing to the expansion of the railroad network across the region. Although the original Sandusky no longer exists, it is remembered as a pioneering example of American locomotive engineering. It's also notable for the popular misconception, encouraged at the time, that it was the first locomotive to operate in Ohio (that distinction belongs to the Rocket).