In 1987 the book Lion:
The History of an 1846 Locomotive Engine in Maine was published by the Augusta: Maine State Museum, Machiasport Historical Society. A 63 page softcover book, it "details the history of one of New England's first steam locomotives. Also includes a history of the Whitneyville and Machiasport Railroad and the restoration of the Lion. The Lion now resides in the Maine State Museum. Black and white photo illustrations." The book was written by Paul E. Rivard, a prolific writer of Maine historical books.
The oldest in New England and the eighth oldest in the nation,
The Lion, an 0-4-0 steam locomotive, was manufactured by Hinkley & Drury (Hinkley Locomotive Works) in 1846 for the Whitneyville and Machiasport Railroad in eastern Maine. Rated at 100 horsepower, it operated as a locomotive on the line until 1890, at which time it was sold to Thoman Towle of Portland. It was later purchased by the City of Portland and appeared in the 1898 Fourth of July parade. In 1905
The Lion was bequeathed to the University of Maine at Machias and remained on display at the University until 1985, at which time it became the property of the Maine State Museum in Augusta. There, it has been put on display, complete with coal and water tender, in a prominent location just inside the entrance.
The Lion
The LION was #62 of the engines built by the Boston firm of Hinkley and Drury. It was designed as a small, lightweight freight engine. Shipped to Maine in 1846, the engine weighed only 9 tons and was commonly run at speeds of up to 10 m.p.h.
The tender carried both the water used in the boiler and the firewood used to turn it into steam. Each round trip from Whitneyville to Machiasport (about 16 miles) is thought to have required the use of around 600 gallons of water and 1/2 cord of wood.
From the plaque at The Lion