The photo was taken in 1888 in front of the Smithsonian Institution's "Castle" on the Mall. The driver is Lucius D. Copeland, who invented the device (30 mile range, 10 mph). His passenger is Frances "Fannie" Benjamin Johnston, later to become one of Washington's most famous photographers.
The steam-powered tricycle was much more practical than its French predecessor, the dog-powered tricycle.
Photo credit to the Smithsonian Institution Archives, via.
Newest 1 Comment
A steam powered vehicle in 1888? That's hardly innovative is it. Being impressed that a steam powered vehicle existed in 1888 would be somewhat like being impressed that vehicles powered by an otto cycle engine existed in 1928.
Abusive comment hidden.
(Show it anyway.)