Pigtown in Baltimore, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
B&O No. 908
"John T. Collinson"
Railroads built office cars for officials directors, stockholders, and other wealthy patrons as early as the 1840s. Used for right-of-way inspection trips and other business travel, these rolling offices provided an observation platform, lounge/office space, bedrooms with wash areas, dining room, and kitchen. Generally, officials traveled with a male secretary and small service crew. Originally a wooden office car, the B&O No. 908 received a steel underframe and sheathing in 1926. It was assigned to various B&O officials, including Chief Engineer (and later President) John T. Collinson.
[Caption:]
Private and office cars were frequently called "mansions on rails" because of their extravagant amenities. Many politicians, like Herbert Hoover, traveled the nation on their private office cars.
[Aside:]
• Served B&O officials for 50 years
• Built by Chicago & Alton Railroad Shops, c. 1917
• B&O Railroad Heavyweight Office Car
Erected by The North American Railway Foundation.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is
this page online
Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 39° 17.103′ N, 76° 37.984′ W. Marker was in Baltimore, Maryland. It was in Pigtown. Marker could be reached from West Pratt Street east of South Schroeder Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 901 W Pratt St, Baltimore MD 21223, United States of America.
We have been informed that this sign or monument is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Luther G. Smith (within shouting distance of this marker); Connectivity: Street Art at the Intersection of Rail, Community, & Identity (within shouting distance of this marker); B&O Railroad Museum (within shouting distance of this marker); Main Line Electrification of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O) 1895 (within shouting distance of this marker); CSX Corporation
Credits. This page was last revised on March 23, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 29, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 233 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 29, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
