William Howard (1793–1834) was an American topographical engineer who played an important role in the early development of American rail transport. He was among the first engineers employed by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, one of the earliest and most significant commercial railroads in the United States.
During his career, Howard focused on the technical and mechanical challenges of early rail transit. When the railroad began constructing its initial fleet of cars, they utilized friction bearings that had been developed by Ross Winans. In response, Howard devised his own alternative design for these components. He secured a patent for his unique friction bearing design on November 2, 1828, contributing to the era's rapid technological innovation.
