America 250 Semiquincentennial Programs

Explore North Carolina’s early transportation story through a three-part presentation series held in conjunction with America 250 Semiquincentennial events taking place throughout 2026. Scheduled for March, April, and May, the series will highlight railroad development and construction prior to 1860, the origins and use of the Nissen wagon, originally produced in Winston-Salem, and how supplies were moved during the Revolutionary War.

Each presentation begins at 7:00 p.m. and will conclude after one hour. This is a free event that does not require museum admission, but all attendees must pre-register for this presentation. A shuttle bus will be in operation before and after the presentation to transport attendees from parking lot to designated building.

"Wheel Ruts to Iron Rails"

The development of railroads revolutionized the movement of people and goods across the United States and remains a vital chapter in our nation’s story. Discover how early horse-drawn carriages running on metal straps evolved into steam-powered locomotives and iron rails in the late 1820s in England and America. Trace the rapid advancements in locomotive design from the 1830s through the 1850s, as expanding rail lines connected the North and South and opened pathways into the western territories.

This presentation is hosted by Larry Neal, who served several years as a railroad researcher and historian at the North Carolina Transportation Museum. If you need assistance or have any questions before registering, contact Larry Neal at larry.neal@dncr.nc.gov or 704-636-2889.

This presentation will start in the museum’s Roundhouse Orientation Room and include a brief walk through the building.