Mount Royal Station (Baltimore): History, Photos, Status
Last revised: February 27, 2025
By: Adam Burns
The B&O's Mount Royal Station was built to
coincide with the railroad's Baltimore Belt Railroad electrification
project in Baltimore.
This project made operations more efficient in the city and decreased pollution by removing all steam locomotives from city limits.
Mount Royal was built on the north end of the Howard Street Tunnel project and the structure remained an important terminal to the B&O for nearly seven decades, being one of two primary passenger stations the railroad used in the city.
However, trains have stopped calling at this beautiful building more than 50 years ago now, although thankfully it remains one of Baltimore's noted historic structures.
Today, Mount Royal Stations is home of the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) which as taken great lengths to not only preserve the building but also retain as much of its original railroad appearance as possible.
A present-day view of Mount Royal Station as the building appeared on the evening of February 8, 2016. Today it is home to the Maryland Institute College of Art. Jon Wright photo.The history of Mount Royal Station is intertwined with another important project the B&O was constructing at the same time, its electrified Baltimore Belt Railroad.
The completion of this new line not only alleviated a bottleneck the company had to endure for years by using car ferries but also enabled the B&O to comply with a city ordinance of no steam locomotives operating within city limits.
By the late 19th century many large cities had banned the use of steam locomotives due not only to the poor quality but also because of the safety issue in the event of a boiler explosion or wreck.
The new electrified route, capped off by the massive 1.5-mile tunnel underneath the city, opened on May 1, 1895 the first such route in the country.
While this project was ongoing the railroad also had plans to open a new station to serve the electrified line.
The B&O already had another station in use at the time, Camden Station near its massive Camden Yards classification facility (now home of the Baltimore Orioles ballpark).
The point of the new station, located to the north of downtown along its Baltimore-New York main line was to serve this route as the railroad attempted to compete in the market with the likes of the Pennsylvania Railroad.
To do so the B&O operated its famed Royal Blue passenger train launching the train just after its electrified Baltimore Belt Railroad opened, on June 27, 1895.
However, the train, and its passengers, would have a splendid station to arrive and depart from for another year.
Famed architect E. Francis Baldwin, of whom the B&O commissioned many times to design and build a number of stations for them, both large and small, was tapped to oversee the construction of Mount Royal Station.
Completed in 1896, Mount Royal was a beautiful structure that featured a clock tower, marble interior, and long train shed that has trains enter under it as soon as they exit the Howard Street Tunnel.
It was the first terminal to ever host electrified trains when it opened that year. The structure's clock tower stood 150 feet from the ground and the entire building used a mix of local granite as well as Indiana limestone.
Baldwin designed the terminal using Romanesque and Renaissance architecture, capping off the station with a striking red-tile roof.
A view of Mt. Royal Station's main waiting room as it appeared during September of 1958. Lanny Miyamoto photo.With a splendid entrance into Baltimore now available to passengers, the B&O did its best to stay competitive in the New York-Baltimore/D.C. market with the Pennsy.
Unfortunately, because the railroad did not have direct access into downtown Manhattan its ability to effectively compete with the PRR yielded a B&O a handicap it could never, truly overcome.
Despite this the company did its best to provide exemplary service aboard the Royal Blue, which it did achieve, so much so that the railroad had a large contingent of passengers that rode the train simply for this reason (despite the fact that they had to take a ferry from Jersey City Terminal into Manhattan).
As the general public began to leave the train for the highway after World War II, and already unable to truly compete in the market with the Pennsylvania, the B&O gave up on its Royal Bluestreamliner on April 26, 1958, a day that came with much sadness for many loyal riders.
Mount Royal Station, however, continued to remain use for a few more years but closed permanently by the B&O on June 30, 1961. In 1964 the station was sold to the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA).
In 1974 the structure was given the rare distinction as a National Historic Landmark and between 2005 and 2007 received a multi-million dollar restoration that returned it to its original appearance when it opened in 1896.
Today, while the building's famous shed hasn't seen passengers beneath it for decades CSX Transportation freight trains regularly pass through it on a daily basis making for a unique setup that you are unlikely to see perhaps anywhere else in the country.
For more information and history about the Baltimore & Ohio itself please click here. This page provides an in-depth look at the venerable B&O from its many different passenger trains to various types of steam locomotives the road used over the years.
Additionally, you can read about notable locations along the system such as Sand Patch, M&K Junction, Thomas Viaduct, and others.
Recent Articles
-
Nevada's - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
Jan 07, 26 02:12 PM
Seamlessly blending the romance of train travel with the allure of a theatrical whodunit, these excursions promise suspense, delight, and an unforgettable journey through Nevada’s heart. -
West Virginia's - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
Jan 07, 26 02:08 PM
For those looking to combine the allure of a train ride with an engaging whodunit, the murder mystery dinner trains offer a uniquely thrilling experience. -
Kansas's - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
Jan 07, 26 01:53 PM
Kansas, known for its sprawling wheat fields and rich history, hides a unique gem that promises both intrigue and culinary delight—murder mystery dinner trains. -
Michigan's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 07, 26 12:36 PM
In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Michigan’s wine tasting train experiences that cater to both wine connoisseurs and railway aficionados. -
Indiana's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 07, 26 12:33 PM
In this article, we'll delve into the experience of wine tasting trains in Indiana, exploring their routes, services, and the rising popularity of this unique adventure. -
South Dakota's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 07, 26 12:30 PM
For wine enthusiasts and adventurers alike, South Dakota introduces a novel way to experience its local viticulture: wine tasting aboard the Black Hills Central Railroad. -
Kentucky Thomas The Train Rides
Jan 07, 26 12:26 PM
If you’ve got a Thomas fan in the house, Day Out With Thomas at the Kentucky Railway Museum is one of those “circle it on the calendar” weekends. -
Michigan's Thomas The Train Rides
Jan 07, 26 12:10 PM
If you’ve got a Thomas fan in the house, few spring outings feel as “storybook-real” as Day Out With Thomas™ at Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan. -
Texas Dinner Train Rides On The TSR!
Jan 07, 26 11:36 AM
Today, TSR markets itself as a round-trip, four-hour, 25-mile journey between Palestine and Rusk—an easy day trip (or date-night centerpiece) with just the right amount of history baked in. -
Iowa Dinner Train Rides In Boone!
Jan 07, 26 11:06 AM
If you’ve ever wished you could pair a leisurely rail journey with a proper sit-down meal—white tablecloths, big windows, and countryside rolling by—the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad & Museum in Boon… -
Wisconsin Dinner Train Rides In North Freedom!
Jan 06, 26 10:18 PM
Featured here is a practical guide to Mid-Continent’s dining train concept—what the experience is like, the kinds of menus the museum has offered, and what to expect when you book. -
Pennsylvania Dinner Train Rides In Boyertown!
Jan 06, 26 06:48 PM
With beautifully restored vintage equipment, carefully curated menus, and theatrical storytelling woven into each trip, the Colebrookdale Railroad offers far more than a simple meal on rails. -
North Carolina ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Ride
Jan 06, 26 11:26 AM
While there are currently no murder mystery dinner trains in the Tarheel State the Burgaw Depot does host a murder mystery dinner experience in September! -
Florida's - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
Jan 06, 26 11:23 AM
Florida, known for its vibrant culture, dazzling beaches, and thrilling theme parks, also offers a unique blend of mystery and fine dining aboard its murder mystery dinner trains. -
New Mexico's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 06, 26 11:19 AM
For oenophiles and adventure seekers alike, wine tasting train rides in New Mexico provide a unique opportunity to explore the region's vineyards in comfort and style. -
Ohio's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 06, 26 11:14 AM
Among the intriguing ways to experience Ohio's splendor is aboard the wine tasting trains that journey through some of Ohio's most picturesque vineyards and wineries. -
Connecticut's Thomas The Train Rides
Jan 06, 26 11:06 AM
For 2026, the tour stop at Essex brings Thomas (and Percy, too) to the historic Valley Railroad for a full day of events for the kids. -
Maryland's Thomas The Train Rides
Jan 06, 26 11:00 AM
In 2026, the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore welcomes the Let’s Rock, Let’s Roll Tour with four event days that combine a Thomas-themed excursion with other activities. -
Tennessee's Thomas The Train Rides
Jan 06, 26 10:51 AM
Set on the grounds of one of the Southeast’s best-known operating railroad museums, the Thomas the train event blends kid-friendly fun with the unmistakable sights, sounds, and atmosphere of a real wo… -
Georgia's Thomas The Train Rides
Jan 06, 26 10:44 AM
Day Out With Thomas is set to roll back into Cordele in 2026, bringing Thomas the Tank Engine and a full family festival to the SAM Shortline at Georgia Veterans Memorial State Park.
