Hancock in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Hancock Station
Western Maryland Rail Trail
Photographed By J. J. Prats, August 5, 2006
1. Hancock Station Marker
Inscription.
Hancock Station. Western Maryland Rail Trail. The Cumberland Extension of the Western Maryland Railway reached Hancock by December of 1904. The Hancock Station was a combination passenger and freight station that was constructed in 1904–1905. Passenger service was discontinued in the early 1950's. The freight agency operated at the station until March 12, 1976. The building burned on May 28, 1983. A train wreck occurred just west of the station in May of 1911 when engine 629, pulling a freight train, collided head-on with a work train pulled by engine 74. A newspaper article claimed that "Both engines derailed and fifteen to twenty cars were piled up, many of them being reduced to kindling wood. The enginemen and firemen of both trains jumped when it was seen that a collision could not be averted." Only the brakeman of engine 629 was seriously injured.
The Cumberland Extension of the Western Maryland Railway reached Hancock by December of 1904. The Hancock Station was a combination passenger and freight station that was constructed in 1904–1905.
Passenger service was discontinued in the
early 1950's. The freight agency operated at the station until March 12, 1976. The building burned on May 28, 1983.
A train wreck occurred just west of the station in May of 1911 when engine 629, pulling a freight train, collided head-on with a work train pulled by engine 74. A newspaper article claimed that "Both engines derailed and fifteen to twenty cars were piled up, many of them being reduced to kindling wood. The enginemen
and firemen of both trains jumped when it was seen that a collision could not be averted." Only the brakeman of engine 629 was seriously injured.
Erected by Western Maryland Rail Trail.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical date for this entry is March 12, 1892.
Location. 39° 41.901′ N, 78° 10.694′ W. Marker is in Hancock, Maryland
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, in Washington County. Marker is on Church Street (becomes Canal Street past marker) south of Main Street (Maryland Route 144). Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hancock MD 21750, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Also see . . . Western Maryland Railway. Website homepage (Submitted on February 22, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed By J. J. Prats, August 5, 2006
2. Parking Lot is Where Station Once Stood
Photographed By J. J. Prats, August 5, 2006
3. Western Maryland Rail Trail Westbound at Hancock
This marker is on the right of the trail.
Photographed By J. J. Prats, August 5, 2006
4. Western Maryland Rail Trail Eastbound at Hancock
Canal Street crosses the trail here. Photographer is standing next to marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 22, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 5, 2006, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 2,657 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 5, 2006, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.