Ramsey County History – Summer 2012: “The Little Engine That Did: The ‘Iron Walker’ and Its Inaugural Run”

The Little Engine That Did: The “Iron Walker” and Its Inaugural Run
Author: Dave Riehle

The focus of this article is the inaugural run of the William Crooks, also known as the “Iron Walker,” the first railroad locomotive to operate in Minnesota. It made its debut running from St. Paul to St. Anthony, now part of Minneapolis, on June 28, 1862. Author Dave Riehle recounts all the work that preceded that event, including the laying of track and readying the locomotive. He also profiles the railroad’s chief engineer, William Crooks, and the prominent people, such as James J. Hill and Governor Alexander Ramsey, who were passengers on that famous first run.
PDF Riehle article