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Marylanders are fortunate to have had many firsts occur in their state when it comes to the cutting edge of transportation. From the first balloon launch in June of 1784 to the first highway National Road that began in 1806. The most important transportation was the development of railroads, the ability to move people and freight by rail changed America and provided a means for national expansion.
With Baltimore and Washington's location, it was natural that Maryland men planned the first railroad in the country. By rail, Baltimore was actually seventy miles closer to Buffalo, NY and over 200 miles closer to St. Louis than New York City! Shorter distances meant cheaper shipping costs, and cheaper shipping meant more profit.
Some of the most beautiful scenic railroads can be found in Maryland, the classic trains that still run on these over hundreds of year old rails that are apart of our history still exist today. They make for the best pictures that capture our history and growth as a coutry.
Common freight carriers
Bay Coast Railroad (BCR)
Canadian Pacific Railway subsidiary (Delaware and Hudson Railway)
Canton Railroad (CTN)
CSX Transportation (CSXT)
Georges Creek Railway (GCK)
Maryland and Delaware Railroad (MDDE)
Maryland Midland Railway (MMID)
Norfolk Southern Railway (NS)
Patapsco and Back Rivers Railroad (PBR)
Wheeling and Lake Erie Railway (WE)
Winchester and Western Railroad (WW) |
Passenger carriers
Amtrak
Maryland Transit Administration
National Capital Trolley Museum
Western Maryland Scenic Railroad
Walkersville Southern Railroad
Washington Metro |
If you have the pleasure of being in Maryland one of the great scenic areas for tours on some old railroad tracks is in Western Maryland and you can find more information here.
If you can think of any other Maryland railroad resources or photos that would be of value please contact us.
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