http://www.history.com/photos/inventions-transportation en Copyright 2013, History.com Tue, 21 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT History.com 2013-05-21T04:00:00Z en Copyright 2013, History.com http://www.history.com/photos/inventions-transportation/photo1 Scottish inventor James Watt's improvements to the steam engine were instrumental during the Industrial Revolution. http://www.history.com/photos/inventions-transportation/photo1 http://www.history.com/photos/inventions-transportation/photo2 Affecting everything from transportation to manufacturing, the steam engine was the driving force behind the Industrial Revolution. http://www.history.com/photos/inventions-transportation/photo2 http://www.history.com/photos/inventions-transportation/photo3 In the 1820s, English engineer George Stephenson built the world's first steam-powered public railway line. http://www.history.com/photos/inventions-transportation/photo3 http://www.history.com/photos/inventions-transportation/photo4 For more than 100 years, steam locomotives dominated the railroad industry. http://www.history.com/photos/inventions-transportation/photo4 http://www.history.com/photos/inventions-transportation/photo5 Between 1863 and 1869, the world's first transcontinental railroad was constructed, one of the greatest technological accomplishments of the 19th century. http://www.history.com/photos/inventions-transportation/photo5 http://www.history.com/photos/inventions-transportation/photo6 In 1807, inventor and engineer Robert Fulton launched the first commercially successfully steamboat. http://www.history.com/photos/inventions-transportation/photo6 http://www.history.com/photos/inventions-transportation/photo7 Originally used for commercial purposes, the steamboat had become popular for recreation by the late 1800s. http://www.history.com/photos/inventions-transportation/photo7 http://www.history.com/photos/inventions-transportation/photo8 Elisha G. Otis demonstrates a working model of his elevator at the Crystal Palace Exposition in New York in 1853. http://www.history.com/photos/inventions-transportation/photo8 http://www.history.com/photos/inventions-transportation/photo9 On December 17, 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright tested their first powered aircraft at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. http://www.history.com/photos/inventions-transportation/photo9 http://www.history.com/photos/inventions-transportation/photo10 The Ford Model T transformed the automobile from a luxury item to a mass-produced necessity. http://www.history.com/photos/inventions-transportation/photo10 http://www.history.com/photos/inventions-transportation/photo11 Best known for their luxury automobiles, the Pierce-Arrow company also produced an early line of technologically innovative motorcycles. http://www.history.com/photos/inventions-transportation/photo11 http://www.history.com/photos/inventions-transportation/photo12 On November 2, 1947, aviation pioneer Howard Hughes' 200-ton plywood flying boat made its first and only flight. The "Spruce Goose" still holds the record for the largest wingspan and height of any aircraft in history. http://www.history.com/photos/inventions-transportation/photo12