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Canton Railroad: Serving The Port of Baltimore

Published: January 15, 2025

By: Adam Burns

The Canton Railroad holds a unique place in the history and development of American rail transport as a short line strategically situated in the heart of the bustling industrial hub of Baltimore, Maryland.

Originating in the early 20th century, the system has played an integral role in serving the maritime and industrial sectors of the region, reflecting the dynamic growth and continuous evolution of the American transportation network.

It has served the Port of Baltimore for more than a century and continues to remain a vital transportation artery today.

97172356471234781235285298346907.jpgCanton Railroad SE15B #1906, a product of Knoxville Locmomotive Works, is working at the Boston Street Terminal in Baltimore, MD on July 26, 2024. Doug Kroll photo.

The history of the Canton Railroad can be traced as far back as 1850 when the Canton Company and the Buffalo & Susquehanna Railroad agreed for the latter to provide car ferry service to Canton properties located along Baltimore Harbor's northern-western edge.  Unfortunately, the Baltimore & Ohio's opposition halted the project.

By 1866, the Canton Company took matters into its own hands, obtaining a Maryland legislative charter to create the Union Railroad. By July 24, 1873, the railroad had opened. It was later sold to Northern Central Railroad, a Pennsylvania Railroad affiliate, in 1881.

In 1905, with Congress greenlighting the deepening of Baltimore Harbor to 35 feet, the Canton Company saw a chance to develop property it owned in southeastern Baltimore.

With little interest from the B&O and PRR, Canton pressed forward with its own railroad to serve this area. Consequently, on May 11, 1906, the Canton Railroad was chartered. Construction began shortly thereafter via a connection with the PRR, reaching the B&O in 1910 near today's Penn Mary Yard.

The railroad was designed to provide service to waterfront industries along the bustling Baltimore Harbor. Operations initially began in 1907 and by 1914 construction of the railroad was complete. In 1913, it had secured flat switching agreements with PRR, B&O, and Western Maryland.

The World War II era is recognized as the railroad's peak era, handling 148,109 carloads in 1943. An ore dock opened in 1947 for shipment to the Steel Fairless Works (Philadelphia) and other regional steel mills.  However, by the late 1950s ore traffic began to decline and the short line struggled from this time through the 1980s.

The company changed hands several times over the years. By the 1980s the system was managed by the Canton Development Company.  In 1984 this corporation was mired in financial misconduct and the railroad was subsequently placed in receivership.

In 1987, the State of Maryland purchased the railroad at a bankruptcy auction for $875,000 to ensure rail access for the Seagirt Terminal at the Port of Baltimore.

Although now owned by the State, the Canton Railroad continues to function as a profit-driven entity without any financial backing from the State.

One of the defining features of this industrial short line is its strategic location. Situated at the nexus of port facilities, industrial complexes, and warehouses, it has always been central to Baltimore’s economic and industrial activities.

The railroad connects to the area's major railroads, CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern.  It handles a variety of freight including bulk commodities, intermodal containers, and break-bulk goods.

981238462178423985298067.jpgCanton Railroad SW1200 #1203 switches out GAF Plant in Baltimore's industrialized Canton District on August 27, 2004. Wade Massie photo.

Over the decades, the Canton has successfully navigated the myriad challenges and transformations that have characterized the rail transport industry.

From dealing with the peaks and valleys of industrial demand to adapting to technological advancements, the railroad has shown commendable resilience and adaptability.

As a short line it represents an important segment of the rail transport ecosystem in North America, servicing local industries by providing the first and last mile connection necessary to move goods efficiently.

Diesel Roster

Road Number Model Type Builder Serial Number Completion Date Notes
1203 SW1200 EMD 20055 11/1954 Formerly number 1201; ex-Milwaukee Road 701 (2nd); ex-Davenport Rock Island & North Western 625; ex-Milwaukee Road 625; built as Milwaukee Road 2020
1204 SW1200RS GMDD A1494 4/1958 CP 8114
1501 SW1500 EMD 33146 9/1967 SP 2455
1502 SW1500 EMD 726494-4 5/1973 ex-Gateway Western 1502; ex-Chicago Missouri &a Western 1502; built as P&LE 1537
1906 SE15B Knoxville Locomotive Works 18-020 10/2020 Acquired new
1987 SE15B Knoxville Locomotive Works 21-036 10/2021 Acquired new
20 SC EMC 620 1/1937 Acquired new. Built as EMC demonstrator 620.
21 SW1 EMC 1448 10/1941 Sold
24 SW1 EMD 7744 8/1949 ex-Anderson Window 3110; ex-N&W 3110; built as Wabash 110
25 SW1 EMD 7445 8/1949 EJ&E 249
26 SW1 EMC 909 9/1939 ex-RF&P 50; ex-Richmond Terminal 50; built as ACL 1901
30-31 VO1000 BLW 70132-70133 1/1944 Acquired new. 30 renumbered as 32.
40-41 SW8 EMD 16900, 18674 11/1952, 8/1955 Acquired new
42 SW8 EMD 19494 1/1954 Acquired new
43 SW8 EMD 19495 1/1954 Acquired new
44 SW900 EMD 21905 6/1956 Acquired new
45 SW900 EMD 22650 1/1954 Acquired new
46-48 SW900 EMD 23075-23077 11/1952, 8/1955 Acquired new
50-51 SW9 EMD 16950-16951 12/1958 Acquired new
52 SW8 EMD 3422 5/1946 UP 1036 (2nd)
1307, 1364 GP7R EMD 16996, 16992 9/1952 Retired. ex-BNSF 1307/1364; ex-AT&SF 2026/2220 (2nd); built as AT&SF GP7 2769, 2765
1751 GP16 EMD 17393 9/1957 ex-CSX 1758; ex-Seaboard System 4712; ex-Seaboard Coast Line 1001; built as Seaboard Air Line 1821

91724781263582357892389677.jpgCanton Railroad SW1200 #1203 switches out a local customer along NS on August 27, 2004. Wade Massie photo.

Today, as part of the Maryland Transportation Authority, the Canton Railroad continues to be a regional powerhouse, contributing to the economic vitality of Baltimore.

Its commitment to efficient and sustainable freight operations ensures that it remains a vital link between ships, industries, and the greater rail network.

With a legacy spanning over a century, the Canton stands as a testament to the enduring significance of short line railroads within the broader narrative of American industrial progress and economic resilience.

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