Point of Rocks
The B&O Railroad
— Canal Towns • Point of Rocks —
The arrival of the B&O Railroad in Point of Rocks would have a major impact on the future development of the town. The first train arrived on April 23, 1832, and Point of Rocks remained the terminus of the Old Main Line for three years. Continued construction of the railroad was complicated by a lawsuit with C&O Canal over right-of-way. A compromise was reached in 1833, when the Catoctin Mountain was blasted to allow both the canal and the railroad to pass by.
Point of Rocks became connected to Washington, D.C. in 1873 via the Metropolitan Branch, which junctioned with the Baltimore Line and continued west.
The B&O Railroad tunneled 787 feet through Catoctin Mountain between 1867-1868. A new train station was opened circa 1873 and was enlarged to its present form in 1875 (originally named Washington Junction). The station is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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Historic Depot
The depot at Point of Rocks was designed by E. Francis Baldwin in the Gothic Revival style. The station was formerly known as Washington Junction.
Its detailed exterior and striking location make it one of the most picturesque stations in the country. Although the interior is not open to the public, it was extensively documented in the 1970's by the Historic American
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O), and the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is April 23, 1832.
Location. 39° 16.445′ N, 77° 32.402′ W. Marker is in Point of Rocks, Maryland, in Frederick County. Marker is on Commerce Street, 0.1 miles east of Monroe Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3708 Commerce St, Point of Rocks MD 21777, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Point of Rocks (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Point of Rocks (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Point of Rocks (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Point of Rocks (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Point of Rocks (about 300 feet away); a different marker also named Point of Rocks (about 300 feet away); Battle at Point of Rocks
Credits. This page was last revised on March 6, 2021. It was originally submitted on March 6, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 192 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 6, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
