Prior to the establishment of the Mount Washington Cog Railway, accessing the summit of Mount Washington, the highest peak in the northeastern United States, was a challenge for adventurers and tourists. Sylvester Marsh, an inventor and entrepreneur, recognized the growing interest in the mountain and conceived a railway that would make travel to its peak feasible. The project was ambitious, involving the construction of a unique tonal system that incorporated a rack and pinion mechanism to effectively manage the steep gradient of the mountain. The railway's construction began in 1866 and was a major engineering endeavor, requiring precision and innovation.

On August 29, 1869, the railway officially opened, allowing the first passengers to embark on their journey to the summit in a steam-powered locomotive. Unlike traditional railways that rely solely on friction between wheels and rails, the cog railway utilizes a gear system that grasps a centrally placed toothed rail, facilitating the train's ascent. The maiden journey attracted significant attention, with passengers marveling at the stunning vistas and the unprecedented ability to climb the mountain in comfort.

The Mount Washington Cog Railway quickly became a popular attraction, heralding a new era in tourism and accessibility. It showcased the potential of railway engineering and set a precedent for future mountain railways around the world. The success of the cog railway highlighted the intersection of nature and technology, sparking interest in visiting and exploring other mountain ranges, which often led to the development of similar railways later on.