First Passenger Train Arrives in Miami

FEC Locomotive #12 to Miami on April 22, 1896

FEC Locomotive #12 to Miami on April 22, 1896

On April 22, 1896, the first passenger train reached Miami. Although there were prior trains with passengers, the arrival of FEC train number 12 represented the beginning of the regular train service to Miami. The passenger train arrived one week after the first official train arrival on April 15th, which carried FEC dignitaries and freight.

Train number 12 was built by Schenectady Locomotive Works in January of 1892. The train was later sold to the Key West Extension in August of 1910. It was then sold to Drake Lumber Company in May of 1914.

Image is courtesy of Florida Memory.