At this time _our_ first locomotive was "in course of construction," as the Observer and Reporter of December 6th, 1832, says in an editorial: "We yesterday had the pleasure of examining--at the machine shop of Mr. Bruen--a new Locomotive Engine constructed for the Lexington and Ohio Rail Road Company. We understand the Engine will be in readiness for an experiment on the Rail Road sometime next week." * * * * * It is evident therefore that the Charter for the Pontchartrain Railroad was one week older than the Charter of the Lexington and Ohio Railroad. It is also evident that the Lexington and Ohio Railroad was "formally opened August 15th, 1832," while the formal opening of the Pontchartrain Road did not occur until September 15th, 1832, one month later than ours. It is true the Pontchartrain opened with a real locomotive while the Lexington and Ohio road first used horse power. But it must also be remembered that the locomotive of the Pontchartrain Railroad was built in Stourbridge, England, while the first locomotive for the Lexington and Ohio road was invented and built in Lexington by two Lexington men, Thomas Barlow and Joseph Bruen; that it was in course of construction at the time of the opening, and that it made its trial run March 2nd, 1833, "from Lexington towards Frankfort."-- So far as I have been able to learn our locomotive was the first one built in the United States unless we except that of Peter Cooper, which is said never to have given satisfaction. * * * * * By the first of January, 1833, the first railroad advertisement appeared headed: "TRAVELING" On The Lexington and Ohio Rail Road The First Six Miles of the Road Being Completed a Passenger Car will Daily Leave the Lower Market House for the end of the First Division at 9-1/2 O'clock A. M. and 2-1/2 O'clock P.M. Returning will leave the end of the Division for Lexington at 10 O'clock A. M. and 3-1/2 O'clock P.M. Companies of 12 or more can be accommodated with a Private Car by giving one hour's notice. Office L. & O. Rail Road Company January 1st, 1833 And so the Rail Road became a popular diversion, and the work was rapidly progressing all along the road toward Frankfort. Judging from an advertisement in the Observer and Reporter of February 21st, 1833, some change in construction must have been contemplated for it states "Sealed Proposals will be received at the Company's Office until the 15th of April next for laying 13 miles of the Second Division of the Lexington and Ohio Rail Road with Stone Sills, and 9 miles with Sleepers and Strong-pieces of wood. (Signed by) H. J. RANNEY, Chief Engineer." * * * * *