Designates "John Bull" as NJ State steam locomotive.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Clinton Calabrese

Designates the John Bull steam locomotive as New Jersey’s official state steam locomotive, recognizing its historic role in early U.S. rail development.

Received in the Senate, Referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee

Overview

Purpose: To designate the steam locomotive known as the "John Bull" as the State of New Jersey’s official state steam locomotive.

Jurisdiction: New Jersey

Session: 222

Status:

Introduced January 13, 2026; referred to Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee
Passed the Assembly unanimously (72-0-0) on February 19, 2026
Reported out of Assembly Committee (2nd Reading) on January 13, 2026
Referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee; received in Senate May 4, 2026

Key Provisions

Official designation

The bill designates the steam locomotive "John Bull" as the New Jersey State steam locomotive.

Legislative findings (premable-style findings)

Details historical background:
- The "John Bull" was shipped from Liverpool, England to Bordentown, NJ, arriving September 4, 1831.
- Assembled by Isaac Dripps, who later became a prominent locomotive mechanic and partner in the Trenton Locomotive Works.
- In November 1831, the locomotive pulled several cars carrying New Jersey state legislators to illustrate steam rail transport.
- Operated regularly from 1833 to the late 1840s on routes including South Amboy–Bordentown and South Amboy–Camden, contributing to early New Jersey and regional rail development.
- Served as a model for other locomotives built by the Camden and Amboy Railroad and Transportation Company (Hoboken, NJ), influencing U.S. locomotive engineering.
- Recognized as an antique by 1858; renovated for the 1876 Centennial Celebration in Philadelphia; later moved to the Smithsonian Institution, where it remains.

Immediate effectiveness

The act states that it shall take effect immediately upon enactment.

Who/What is Affected

The primary artifact affected is the "John Bull" steam locomotive, a historic locomotive with origins in the early U.S. railroad era.

Public institutions and education/historic preservation entities may reference the designation for commemorative events, educational programs, and tourism materials.

No fiscal allocations or regulatory changes are included in the text; the designation is symbolic and honors a historical asset.

Procedural and Timeline Details

Introduction and committee actions:

Introduced: January 13, 2026 (Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee)
Reported out of Assembly Committee (2nd Reading): January 13, 2026
Passed Assembly: February 19, 2026 (72-0-0)
Senate actions:
Referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee: May 4, 2026

Effective date: Immediate upon enactment.

Notable Context

The bill emphasizes the historical significance of the John Bull in New Jersey and American railroad history, highlighting its role in early rail transportation, engineering influence, and its preservation trajectory (including its display at the 1876 Centennial and current residence at the Smithsonian Institution).

Why It Matters

The designation formally recognizes the John Bull’s contribution to New Jersey’s transportation heritage and its broader role in shaping U.S. railroad development.

It provides a clear state-level acknowledgment that can support education, museums, tourism, and preservation efforts surrounding early American locomotive history.

Bill