Croom in Prince George's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Chesapeake Beach Railway

Photographed by F. Robby, August 19, 2013

1. Chesapeake Beach Railway Marker

Inscription.
A Day at the Beach
In the late 1800s, the expansion of railroad and steamboat lines made it possible for middle-class Americans to being enjoying summer excursions. During the period of segregation, Calvert County's Chesapeake Beach was a popular destination for white families from Washington, DC and Baltimore. Chesapeake Beach offered swimming, hotels, a roller coaster, casino, carousel and dance pavilion.

Take the Train!
In 1896, railroad magnate Otto Mears formed the Chesapeake Beach Railway Company to link Washington, DC and surrounding communities to Chesapeake Beach. Prince George's County citizens welcomed the new opportunities for business and leisure. Countless vacationers made the journey to Chesapeake Beach before the Great Depression brought an end to the railway in 1935.

Tracks through the Countryside
Many landowners deeded a right-of-way through their properties for the railway. Mount Calvert became an official stop in 1899. The railway crossed the Patuxent River at Mount Calvert on a swing-span bridge. You can still see the bridge pivot in the middle of the river.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Railroads & Streetcars • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1896.

Location.

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38° 47.07′ N, 76° 42.915′ W. Marker is in Croom, Maryland, in Prince George's County. It is on Mount Calvert Road 0.4 miles east of McClure Road, on the right when traveling east. Marker is in Mount Calvert Historical and Archaeological Park, about 100 feet south of the parking area. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 16801 Mt Calvert Rd, Upper Marlboro MD 20772, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies

and also the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The War of 1812 and the Chesapeake Flotilla (here, next to this marker); Explosive Scene (a few steps from this marker); African-Americans at Mount Calvert (within shouting distance of this marker); Mount Calvert Manor (within shouting distance of this marker); Mount Calvert Federal Period Plantation House (within shouting distance of this marker); Billingsley's Point (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mount Calvert, Early Town (about 400 feet away); Woodland Indians (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Croom.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Billingsley's Point (was about 400 feet away but has been reported to have been replaced with another marker now near it).

Photographed by F. Robby, August 19, 2013

2. Chesapeake Beach Railway Marker

This marker is on the right, overlooking the Patuxent River to the south. The railway crossed the river about 1200 feet in front of this marker, the bridge pivot of the swing-span bridge can still be seen.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 24, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 1, 2013, by F. Robby of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 900 times since then and 16 times this year. Last updated on October 21, 2024, by Jeff Wilson of North Springfield, Virginia. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 1, 2013, by F. Robby of Baltimore, Maryland. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.