Who started the railroad industry?

The railroad industry began in the early 19th century, with key figures like George Stephenson, who built the first successful steam locomotive, the Locomotion No. 1, in 1825. While railways had existed before this, it was Stephenson's innovations that helped establish the modern railroad system. The opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in England in 1825 is often considered the beginning of the railroad industry as we know it. This development set the stage for the rapid expansion of rail networks around the world.