atlantic 1832 grasshopper engine

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In 1832, Phineas Davis and Israel Gartner successfully designed their first "Grasshopper" type locomotive, the No. 2 "Atlantic," at the Mt. Clare shops. These early locomotives earned the nickname "Grasshoppers" because the long vertical rods appeared as oversized mechanical insect legs in motion, giving them a unique and recognizable appearance. As part of the B&O's initial operational fleet of steam-powered engines, the "Grasshopper" design played a significant role in shaping the company's early years. Although this innovative design was eventually phased out, many of these locomotives remained in service well into the second half of the 19th century. The original No. 2 "Atlantic," which pioneered this groundbreaking technology, met its end in 1835 when it was retired and subsequently scrapped.