If I remember correctly there was some kind of rail system in the southern U.S., early in the 19th century, to get cargo up and down one particular grade. The Brits didn't so much invent the railroad as they invented the steam locomotive. The same way Gutenberg invented movable type; not the printing press. The same way Morse wasn't the first person to invent some kind of telegraph system, but his system was the first that was practical enough for widespread use.
More examples will occur to you.