First Commercial Railroad Right-of-Way in America

The War Came by Train

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), June 29, 2019

1. First Commercial Railroad Right-of-Way in America Marker

Inscription.
You are standing on the original right-of-way of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, the nations first commercial railroad to handle both freight and passenger service. This right-of-way stands on land donated to the railroad by James Carroll the owner of the Mount Clare estate and its use for rail service was granted to the B&O by the State of Maryland.

This marks the point of origin for the B&O's historic line west to the Ohio River. This right-of-way had upwards of 19 tracks, carried countless civilians and soldiers as well as millions of tons of freight in and out of Baltimore. Practically every type of motove power from horse-drawn railcars and diesel engines has passed over this ground.

The right-of-way has been in continuous use since 1830 by the B&O Railroad and its successors including the Chessie System and CSX Transportation. Today it is owned, operated and maintained by the B&O Railroad Museum and continues to carry museum visitors over the most historic mile of railroad track in America.

[Captions:]
Mt. Clare Shops, 1870

B&O's Tender and Boxcar repair facility, 1920. The remains of this building are located along the north side of the Museum's tracks.

Mt. Clare Shops, 1920

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list:

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Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1830.

Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 39° 17.101′ N, 76° 37.982′ 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 West Pratt Street, 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 (a few steps from 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

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), June 29, 2019

2. First Commercial Railroad Right-of-Way in America Marker

(within shouting distance of this marker); Pullman Troop Sleeper No. 7437 (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of Old Relay Station and Hotel (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The National Road (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Baltimore.

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 172 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 29, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.