On the 289th anniversary of Charles Carroll of Carrollton’s birth, his later birthday celebrations reveal a Founder who remained vigorous, curious, and engaged with America’s future well into his nineties.

Part 3 of 4. The decisive August 28, 1830 journey grew out of months of horse-powered excursions, short steam trials, repairs, and repeated demonstrations. Together, they show how the B&O Railroad learned what steam could do.