{"id":3737,"date":"2026-08-06T15:37:14","date_gmt":"2026-08-06T19:37:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/patersonhistory.com\/?page_id=3737"},"modified":"2026-08-06T15:37:17","modified_gmt":"2026-08-06T19:37:17","slug":"grant-locomotive-works","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/patersonhistory.com\/index.php\/grant-locomotive-works\/","title":{"rendered":"Grant Locomotive Works"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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The Grant Locomotive Works<\/strong> was one of the three great locomotive manufacturers that made Paterson, New Jersey, the leading center of steam locomotive production in the United States during the nineteenth century. Along with Rogers Locomotive Works and Cooke Locomotive and Machine Works, Grant produced thousands of locomotives that helped build America’s expanding railroad network and were exported around the world. Between 1867 and 1895, the company built approximately 1,888 steam locomotives<\/strong> before relocating to Chicago, where it ultimately ceased operations.<\/p>\n

Early History<\/h2>\n

The origins of Grant Locomotive Works date to 1842<\/strong>, when Samuel Smith<\/strong>, Abram Collier<\/strong>, and George Bradley<\/strong> established a small iron foundry in Paterson. After several reorganizations, the business became Swinburne, Smith & Company<\/strong>, led in part by William Swinburne<\/strong>, former superintendent of Rogers Locomotive Works.<\/p>\n

In 1851<\/strong>, the firm received a charter as the New Jersey Locomotive and Machine Company<\/strong> and leased land from the Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures (S.U.M.) at Market and Spruce Streets<\/strong>, where a three-story factory was erected. The company quickly became known for building quality steam locomotives, often referred to as “Brandt Engines” after superintendent John Brandt<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The Grant Era<\/h2>\n

Financial difficulties led New York banker Oliver DeForest Grant<\/strong> to acquire control of the company in 1863<\/strong>. Four years later, after receiving a New Jersey corporate charter, the business was reorganized as the Grant Locomotive Works<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Under Grant’s leadership, production increased steadily, and the company became one of the nation’s principal locomotive builders. At its peak, the works employed more than 700 workers<\/strong> and occupied approximately 157,000 square feet<\/strong> in nine major buildings. In 1881<\/strong> alone, the company completed 110 locomotives<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The Paterson Works<\/h2>\n

The Grant plant stood along the Morris Canal and the raceways of the Society for Establishing Useful Manufactures near Market and Spruce Streets<\/strong>. The complex included:<\/p>\n