Canton Railroad: Route, Roster, History

Published: January 15, 2025

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.

Canton 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.

Canton 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

Canton 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.