In the United States, the first locomotives were imported from England, and so came built at 4'8.5" gauge. While that gauge was commonly used in the United States, many others were used, and it wasn't until the industrialization of the nation that the benefits of having interconnected railways were seen. With the South having recently lost the Civil War, the northern gauge (4' 8.5") came to dominate.
Previously, when multiple railroads served a city, they didn't connect (didn't want that other road stealing their rolling stock or cargo), and often used different gauges to enforce that fact.
And yes, railroads often widen the gauge a tad on curves - especially sharp curves.
Curtis
Previously, when multiple railroads served a city, they didn't connect (didn't want that other road stealing their rolling stock or cargo), and often used different gauges to enforce that fact.
And yes, railroads often widen the gauge a tad on curves - especially sharp curves.
Curtis
