Aiken in Aiken County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

How a Steam Engine Works

Photographed by Tom Bosse, December 31, 2023

1. How a Steam Engine Works Marker

Inscription. The steam engine had a dramatic impact on the development of transportation and industry in the 19th century. Indeed, it was the steam engine that powered the industrial revolution.

How does a steam engine work? The principal is simple. Water heated to the boiling point turns to steam. By its nature, the steam expands and takes up more space that the water. When the steam is confined to a small space, pressure builds up. If the pressurized steam is released into a cylinder with a piston, the steam can move the piston back and forth. Attach the piston to wheels and it can power machinery or a locomotive!

• High pressure steam leaves the boiler and enters the engine.
• A slide valve allows steam to enter each side of the piston alternately.
• The steam moves the piston back and forth.
• The piston is attached to a piston rod.
• The piston rod is attached to a cross head which controls the movement of the piston.
• The cross head is attached to a drive rod and a connecting road to drive the locomotives wheels.
• Steam is released in bursts through the exhaust stack and makes a “choo-choo” sound as it exists.

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This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars.

Location. 33° 33.487′ N, 81° 42.941′ W. Marker is in Aiken, South Carolina, in Aiken County. It can be reached from Union Street SE north of Sea Lane SE, on the left when traveling south. Mounted on the north wall of the Aiken Visitors Center and Train Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 406 Park Ave SE, Aiken SC 29801, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Augusta

and in the Midlands.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Deep South.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Fast Food: Railroad Dining (here, next to this marker); City of Aiken: A Glimpse Into Our Past

Photographed by Tom Bosse, December 31, 2023

2. How a Steam Engine Works Marker

Marker is located on the back of the Aiken Railroad Depot, second from right.

(here, next to this marker); Bells and Whistles: Signaling (here, next to this marker); Aiken Railroad Depot (within shouting distance of this marker); Friendship Baptist Church (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Friendship (African) Baptist Church (about 700 feet away); Aiken County 125th Anniversary (approx. 0.2 miles away); Defense of Aiken (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Aiken.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.

Aiken Railroad Depot image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tom Bosse, December 31, 2023

3. Aiken Railroad Depot

Credits. This page was last revised on January 7, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 4, 2024, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 486 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 4, 2024, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.