Pigtown in Baltimore, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Railroads Eclipse a National Road
Thus will scientific power conquer space.
| | The Historic National Road - The Road That Built The Nation | |
Photographed by Christopher Busta-Peck, February 24, 2008
1. Railroads Eclipse a National Road Marker
For several decades in the early 1800s, thousands of Conestoga Wagons, ships of inland commerce, ruled the National Road. With their sloping bodies, wheels taller than a man and six-horse teams skillfully maneuvered with a single jerk line, they could carry up to eight tons of freight. The railroad, a Baltimore-borne transportation revolution, soon put them out of business, along with the taverns, livery stables, wheelwrights, and blacksmiths that served them.
In 1830, the National Road was still under construction when here, from the Roundhouse, the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad introduced the first regular freight and passenger service in the United States. By 1852, the B & O spent $15 million to lay track as far as the Ohio River. Freight and travel time was cut in half. The national road was now on rails.
Erected by America's Byways.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O), and the The Historic National Road series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1830.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby.
this page online
Regionally, this marker was in Central Maryland. It was also in the American Mid-Atlantic and in the Chesapeake Bay Region. Globally, it was in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found 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 location: The Underground Railroad (here, next to this marker); The National Road (here, next to this marker); Mount Clare Shops (a few steps from this marker); Site of Old Relay Station and Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); First Stone of the Balt. & Ohio Rail Road (within shouting distance of this marker); Pullman Troop Sleeper No. 7437 (within shouting distance of this marker); Luther G. Smith (about 300 feet away); The Car That Carried Ike on His Last Trip (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Baltimore.
Other markers no longer nearby. The National Road (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); The Chessie's Famous "Big Mike" (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed); Baltimore & Ohio Railroad (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Working for the Railroad: African Americans (was
Photographed by Christopher Busta-Peck, February 24, 2008
2. The National Road and Railroads Eclipse a National Road markers
In the background sits the Baltimore and Ohio railroad roundhouse.
More about this marker. Three illustrations span the lower half of the marker. On the left, The giant Conestoga freight wagons, with their jingling teams of heavy horses, were an impressive sight. However they were too slow and cumbersome to compete with railroad cars
In the lower center, In spite of soot and noise, railroad cars were smoother, more comfortable and faster than the old stagecoaches on the National Road
On the lower right, 19th century Americans declared "go-ahead is our maxim and password" as they opened up the continent. The noisy and dirty steam railroad, called "hell in harness," made that task possible
The background of the marker is "National Road at Fairview Inn" which is the standard for markers in this series. An elevation diagram of the national road is displayed on the bottom of the marker's face.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 25, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 24, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,688 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 24, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
