Point of Rocks in Frederick County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Point of Rocks

The B&O Railroad

— Canal Towns • Point of Rocks —

Point of Rocks Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 6, 2021

1. Point of Rocks Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

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

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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 Engineering Record. The depot remains a popular destination for travelers and an inspiration for model railroaders.

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

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 6, 2021

2. Point of Rocks Marker

Point of Rocks (about 300 feet away); a different marker also named Point of Rocks (about 300 feet away); Battle at Point of Rocks (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Point of Rocks (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in 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 138 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 6, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.