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. 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. It 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.

Regionally, this marker is in the Baltimore Metro Region

and in Western Maryland.

It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Northern Appalachia. 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.

Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Hancock (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Hancock (a few steps from this marker); Gettysburg Campaign (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Thomas Episcopal Church (within shouting distance of this marker); A panorama of the original Maryland-West Virginia river bridge / "The Light House" (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hancock.

Other markers no longer nearby. The National Road (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed); a different marker also named St. Thomas Episcopal Church (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Also see . . . Western Maryland Railway. Website homepage (Submitted on February 22, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

Parking Lot is Where Station Once Stood image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, August 5, 2006

2. Parking Lot is Where Station Once Stood

Western Maryland Rail Trail Westbound at Hancock image. Click for full size.

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.

Western Maryland Rail Trail Eastbound at Hancock image. Click for full size.

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 3,332 times since then and 85 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 5, 2006, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.