The Mount Washington Cog Railway on the western slope of Mount Washington in New Hampshire was the world’s first mountain-climbing cog railway, created from Sylvester Marsh’s idea after his 1852 ascent of the mountain. Chartered in 1858, delayed by the Civil War, and opened to paying passengers in 1868, it reached the summit area in 1869. Its ladder-like rack system, specialized locomotives, and push-uphill operating method were designed for exceptionally steep grades. Operating almost continuously since 1869, it has evolved from early steam engines to biodiesel power while remaining a working tourist railway and a major landmark in mountain rail transport history.

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain

Jackson, New Hampshire · USA