The Mohawk & Hudson Railroad was the first railroad built in New York and one of the first railroads in the United States. It was so-named because it linked the Mohawk River at Schenectady with the Hudson River at Albany. It was conceived as a means of allowing Erie Canal passengers to quickly bypass the circuitous Cohoes Falls via steam powered trains. The DeWitt Clinton locomotive, built by the West Point Foundry in New York, made its first test run on July 2, 1831. After some hesitation it was decided that the engine would burn wood rather than coal. The official opening took place on September 24, 1831, with approximately 80 politicians and dignitaries. The DeWitt Clinton, pulling three cars, covered the route in 47 minutes. Another eight cars had to be pulled by horses. The cars were in the style of old-fashioned stage coaches, with a driver's seat or box, on the outside at either end.