Pigtown in Baltimore, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Car That Carried Ike on His Last Trip
C&O Baggage-Express Car No. 314 built by Pullman Car and Mfg. Co., 1929
Photographed By Don Morfe, February 12, 2017
1. The Car That Carried Ike on His Last Trip Marker
On the evening of March 31, 1969, America’s last Presidential funeral train-that of Dwight D. Eisenhower-rolled sadly out of Washington on its way to Abilene, Kansas. Its ten-car consist was undecorated in any way, and near its front, the body of the military hero and former President rode in this ordinary baggage car. It was the way any common soldier would have gone home for burial—and the way “Ike” wanted it to be.
The car chosen had served C&O for 40 years before. Built for the boom passenger traffic of the late 1920’s, No. 314 was very typical of the heavyweight cars which carried checked baggage, express shipments and bulk mail at the head of passenger trains. Aside from minor interior modifications and a new paint job in the early 1950’s to match C&O’s newly-delivered streamlined cars, it is essentially original.
This car is displayed today exactly as it appeared when it took Ike home for the last time.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #34 Dwight D. Eisenhower series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 31, 1969.
Location. 39° 17.117′ N, 76° 37.849′ W. Marker is in Baltimore, Maryland. It is in
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Underground Railroad (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The National Road (about 300 feet away); Mount Clare Shops (about 300 feet away); Site of Old Relay Station and Hotel (about 400 feet away); First Stone of the Balt. & Ohio Rail Road (about 400 feet away); Pullman Troop Sleeper No. 7437 (about 500 feet away); Luther G. Smith (about 600 feet away); Connectivity: Street Art at the Intersection of Rail, Community, & Identity (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Baltimore.
Photographed By Don Morfe, February 12, 2017
2. C&O Baggage-Express Car No. 314
Photographed By Don Morfe, February 12, 2017
3. Locomotive 1-American Freedom Train
Photographed By Don Morfe, February 12, 2017
4. Baltimore and Annapolis Railroad Car
Photographed By Don Morfe, February 12, 2017
5. B&O Railroad Crane
Photographed By Don Morfe, February 12, 2017
6. Mount Claire-B&O Railroad Museum building
Credits. This page was last revised on April 6, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 15, 2017, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 555 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on February 15, 2017, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
