Built in 1846 for use on a logging railroad, it is the oldest known American-built locomotive in New England.

[1] The Lion is set on display, prominently located near the entrance to the Maine State Museum.

The main stack is located at the front, and has an unusual inverted cone shape, apparently intended to deflect sparks and cinders that came from the exhaust.

[2] It has been stated that the Lion cost originally $2,700, exclusive of the tender.

It was then purchased by the City of Portland and appeared in the 1898 Fourth of July parade.