Fells Point in Baltimore, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Marine Railway
Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park
During the early 1800s, shipyards dotted Baltimore’s Harbor. Many of them drew vessels in need of repair from waters up and down the Atlantic coast. Repairs ranged from minor sail mendings to complicated restorative hull work rendered by skilled shipwrights and carpenters. Marine railways pulled and lifted boats out of the water so that they could be repaired. Vessels were floated into a carriage or cradle and then pulled up the rails out of the water by horses, mules, or oxen. Shipyard workers often lent their hands and body strength as they guided heavy watercraft from the harbor.
The Chesapeake Marine Railway and Dry Dock Company had so much business that it needed two marine railways. Workers kept the railways occupied six days a week, 52 weeks a year.
The marine railway here was built following the same principles as historic railways. In this modern rendition, motors have replaced horses, mules and oxen. Like the marine railways of old, this mechanical device can lift boats and ships weighing up to 100 tons.
[Caption:]
The Chesapeake Marine Railway and Dry Dock Company. This image of the first African American owned and operated shipyard in the United States shows both of the company’s marine railways. (Maryland Historical Society collections)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 39° 16.762′ N, 76° 35.782′ W. Marker was in Baltimore, Maryland. It was in Fells Point. Marker was on Thames Street. The marker is located on Chase's Wharf in Fells Point. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 1417 Thames Street, Baltimore MD 21231, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. A different marker also named The Marine Railway (here, next to this marker); Frederick Douglass Sculpture (a few steps from this marker); Archaeological Remains (a few steps from this marker); Welcome to the Frederick Douglass - Isaac Myers Maritime Park & Museum (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Welcome to the Frederick Douglass - Isaac Myers Maritime Park & Museum (within shouting distance of this marker); Sigsbee (within shouting distance of this marker); Lady Maryland (within shouting distance of this marker); The Hankin Healthy Harbor Walking Tour (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Baltimore.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has been replaced with the linked marker, which has a different inscription.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 13, 2017, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 383 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on May 13, 2017, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.