Mechanicsville in St. Mary's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Extending the Rail
Three Notch Trail
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, June 15, 2019
1. Extending the Rail Marker
The federal government purchased the Washington, Brandywine and Point Lookout Railroad, then known as the Farmers' Railroad, in 1942. During WWII, the Navy extended the railroad from Forest Hall to the Patuxent River Naval Air Station to transport supplies needed for the new naval base at Cedar Point. The railroad then became known as the U.S. Naval Air Station Railroad, Patuxent River, Maryland.Maintenance of the rail bed and rails became problematic and the Navy’s final run was made on June 30, 1954. Over 200 people were in attendance to witness this event. The railroad was declared excess government property in 1966 and St. Mary’s County purchased the railroad right-of-way in 1970.
Rail History 1942
The Navy ran the train under the jurisdiction of the Public Works Department. The main load was gasoline, coal, ammunition, and plane parts. Thirty-two civilians, including long-time general manager William Chesley, were employed by the Navy. A guard, posted at the base perimeter, allowed the train to pass onto the Naval Air Station.
Erected by Three Notch Trail
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • War, World II. A significant historical year for this entry is 1942.
Location. 38° 25.943′ N, 76° 43.841′ W. Marker is in Mechanicsville, Maryland, in St. Mary's County. Marker can be reached from Reeves Road, 0.2 miles south of Old Village Road (Old Maryland Route 5), on the right when traveling south. Located on the Three Notch Trail. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Mechanicsville MD 20659, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Village of Mechanicsville (approx. 0.9 miles away); Forest Hall (approx. one mile away); Tobacco Barns (approx. 1.7 miles away); Three Notch Road (approx. 2.3 miles away); De La Brooke Manor (approx. 2.6 miles away); Veterans of Helen Memorial (approx. 3.3 miles away); a different marker also named "Three Notch Road" (approx. 3.3 miles away); Three Notch Trail (approx. 3.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mechanicsville.
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, June 15, 2019
2. Three Notch Trail facing west
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, June 15, 2019
3. Three Notch Trail facing east
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2019. It was originally submitted on June 16, 2019, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 115 times since then and 2 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 16, 2019, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.
