George Stephenson was an English engineer and inventor who is often referred to as the "Father of Railways." He is best known for developing the first practical steam locomotive, the "Rocket," which was used on the world's first inter-city railway. Stephenson's innovations in railway technology played a crucial role in the development of modern transportation systems and had a significant impact on the Industrial Revolution. His work laid the foundation for the widespread use of railways as a mode of transportation and helped revolutionize the way people and goods were transported.