Ellicott City in Howard County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Turntable & Track
Ellicott City Station
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, January 3, 2018
1. Turntable & Track Marker
The single set of tracks outside the museum’s fence was the original right-of-way of the Baltimore & Ohio (B&O) Railroad. Now owned by CSX Transportation, this right-of-way has been in continuous use since 1830. For many years there were two sets of track that stretched from Baltimore to Ellicott City. Due to flooding, erosion, and a decrease in operations, the line has been reduced to a current single track.
The set of tracks leading into the east end of main depot depict the track layout between 1833 and 1863. The second set of tracks on the wooden bridge depicts a partially restored turntable used between 1863 and the 1890s. The B&O built the turntable to turn around local freight and passenger trains that ran between Baltimore and Ellicott’s Mills.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1830.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 39° 16.036′ N, 76° 47.697′ W. Marker was in Ellicott City, Maryland, in Howard County. This marker is on the platform at the B&O Railroad Museum. Touch for map. Marker
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. A different marker also named Turntable & Track (here, next to this marker); The Freight House (a few steps from this marker); To Preserve the Union (within shouting distance of this marker); B&O Railroad Station (within shouting distance of this marker); The Phoenix Emporium (within shouting distance of this marker); Roads versus Rails (within shouting distance of this marker); The Patapsco Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Stone Tavern House (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ellicott City.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has been replaced by the linked marker.
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, January 3, 2018
2. Turntable & Track Marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, January 3, 2018
3. Carhouse
The east end of the main depot served as a carhouse used for maintenance and storage of locomotives and rolling stock. Close-up of photo on marker
Internet Archive
4. Turntable
The 1863 turntable consists of a center pin that rests atop a center pivot mechanism and stone support pier. The turntable bridge is then connected to four wheels which rest on a circular rail around the outer edge of the pit. One person (or animal) could power the rotation of a single locomotive balanced on the center of the turntable. The turntable is 50 feet in diameter with a pit seven and a half feet deep and weight capacity of about 30 tons. A portion of the Ellicott City center-balance turntable was excavated in 1999. The remainder of the turntable extends under the track still used by CSX today. This advertisement from the December 1853 issue of The American Railroad Journal depicts a similar turntable.
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, January 3, 2018
5. Lafayette
In addition to freight and smaller passenger cars, an engine and tender the size of the “Lafayette” 4-2-0 could be turned using the Ellicott City turntable.Close-up of photo on marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, January 3, 2018
6. Turntable
Partially restored turntable at the B&O Railroad Museum
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, January 3, 2018
7. The Turntable
as depicted in the 40-foot HO-gauge model train layout in the freight depot.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 28, 2020. It was originally submitted on January 5, 2018, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 392 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on January 5, 2018, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
