Relay in Howard County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

During the Civil War

Photographed by Allen C. Browne, April 26, 2014

1. During the Civil War Marker

Inscription. During the Civil War, Union troops stationed here guarded the viaduct against destruction by southern forces. The viaduct stands today as originally built, 612 feet long, 28 feet wide, and curving in a graceful four degree arc across the Patapsco. Well into the second century yet bearing the weight of modern trains it has been designated a National Historic Landmark.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Railroads & Streetcars • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the National Historic Landmarks series list.

Location. 39° 13.355′ N, 76° 42.67′ W. Marker is near Relay, Maryland, in Howard County. It is on River Road, on the right when traveling west. Marker is just east of the contact station at Patapsco Valley State Park, 8020 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, Maryland. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Halethorpe MD 21227, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Maryland.

It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic

and on the

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Eastern Seaboard. 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: A Rural Vacation Spot (within shouting distance of this marker); Masterpiece of the Early B&O Railroad (within shouting distance of this marker); The Thomas Viaduct (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Relay House (about 600 feet away); Elk Ridge Landing (approx. 0.4 miles away); World War II (approx. 0.4 miles away); Great War (approx. 0.4 miles away); Relay (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Relay.

Photographed by Allen C. Browne, April 26, 2014

2. During the Civil War Marker

in the distance, a CSX train crosses the Viaduct headed toward Baltimore.

Thomas Viaduct image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Allen C. Browne, November 20, 2005

3. Thomas Viaduct

Viaduct at Relay image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. G. Pangborn, 1883

4. Viaduct at Relay

From: J. G. Pangborn, Picturesque B. and O., 1883.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 18, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 10, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,206 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 10, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.