Text Box: Train Timeline 1797-The steam locomotive is invented in England.. 1823-The first public railway in the world opens in England. 1827-The railroad in North America – the Baltimore & Ohio- is chartered by Baltimore Merchants. 1830-The first regularly scheduled steam-powered rail passenger service in the U.S. begins operation in South Carolina 1833-Andrew Jackson travels from Baltimore to Ellicott’s Mills, becoming the first president ride a train. 1862- Abe Lincoln signs the Pacific Railroad Act for the construction of the transcontinental railroad that will ultimately link California with the rest of the country. 1917-The federal government seizes control of the railroads for the duration of World War I.