George Stephenson (June 9, 1781 - August 12, 1848). British engineer who designed a famous and historically important steam-powered locomotive named The Rocket. George Stephenson was born in Wylam, England, several miles west of Newcastle upon Tyne. In 1748, a wagonway -- an arrangement similar to a railway, but with wooden tracks and designed to support horse-drawn carts -- had been built from the Wylam colliery to the River Tyne, running for several miles. The young Stephenson grew up near it, and in 1802 gained employment as an engine-man at a coal mine. For the next ten years his knowledge of steam engines increased, until in 1812 he stopped operating them for a living, and started building them. Courtesy:- You can click on most images to see larger images or more information. We wish to buy Stevengraphs. One at a time or collections. We also seek photos, brochures or any item of related history. Malcolm J Roebuck, Phone# 312-467-1400 or Fax# 312-467-1900 Copyright © 1999-2007 Stevengraphs Bookmarks & Postcards Etc.