Maryland Railroad Museums: A Complete Guide

Published: April 21, 2025

Maryland, nestled on the Eastern Seaboard of the United States, is a state steeped in rich history and culture. One of the most fascinating aspects of Maryland's heritage is its pivotal role in the evolution of the railroad industry. Railroads transformed the economic landscape and connected communities in ways previously unimaginable.

Today, Maryland proudly showcases its significant contributions to the railway system through a collection of captivating railroad museums. Let's explore these museums that offer a glimpse into the past while celebrating the enduring legacy of the railroads.

B&O Railroad Museum

The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O) was the first common carrier railroad and one of the oldest in the United States, established in 1827. Celebrating this crucial piece of history is the B&O Railroad Museum located in Baltimore. Often referred to as the birthplace of American railroading, the museum is a treasure trove for railroad enthusiasts and families alike.

Housed in a historical roundhouse dating back to the late 19th century, the museum offers a spectacular collection of locomotives and rolling stock. Visitors can walk through history, exploring vintage steam engines and diesel locomotives, each telling a story of its own. The museum also features a wide array of artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that bring to life the evolution of rail transportation.

The B&O Railroad Museum hosts interactive displays and educational programs, making it an ideal destination for school trips and educational outings. Special events, such as train rides and reenactments, are regularly held, offering a fantastic way to engage with history.

Bowie Railroad Museum

This museum is housed inside the small, restored Pennsylvania Railroad depot originally built by the Baltimore & Potomac (This PRR subsidiary was organized on December 19, 1858 and was completed between Baltimore and Washington, D.C. on July 2, 1872.) in 1910.

The building houses a small collection of displays and is open throughout much of the year.

There is also a restored wooden interlocking tower (completed in 1913) on the grounds, home to the National Railroad Historical Society’s "Martin O’Rourke Railroad Research Library," as well as a freight depot completed in 1933.

Also be sure to visit their restored cabooses on the grounds!

All of the buildings, which for many years served as part of the PRR's vital, high-speed, and electrified Northeast Corridor (Baltimore/Washington - New York) were restored in 1992 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1998.

Brunswick Heritage Museum

This small museum, located in Brunswick along the Potomac River, houses historic artifacts and offers visitors a chance to view an operating model layout inside.

The three-story building primarily focuses on the history of the Baltimore & Ohio (the town was once an important point along the railroad) but generally looks to preserve the area's local history as well as that of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal.

The museum's three levels include the following; the first floor is designed for young kids where they can play and dress up, the second focuses on the general history of the region/canal, and the third houses the HO-scale model layout.

It is an impressive work of art, depicting the B&O and life in Western Maryland as it was during the 1960's.

The key features include the railroad's impressive roundhouse which once stood in Brunswick as well as the beautiful Points of Rocks depot, located right at the point where B&O's Old Main Line and newer alignment split. This building still stands today.

Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum

This museum, located inside the Chesapeake Beach Railway's beautifully restored wooden depot (opened in 1899), keeps alive the history of this interesting operation as well the local Chesapeake Beach area.

It is open throughout much of the year albeit carries different hours depending upon the season. The railroad was constructed during a time when the iron horse was the principal means of travel over distances of any length.

It was a project of Otto Mears who envisioned a railroad to connect Washington, D.C. with the resort of Chesapeake Beach after a former initiative by other investors had failed. The railroad was fully opened for service on June 9, 1900.

It remained a relatively busy operation until the early automobile and Great Depression left the enterprise with a bleak future. The final trains made their last runs on April 15, 1935.

Ellicott City Station (B&O)

This small museum, part of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum, is housed inside the Baltimore & Ohio's restored depot here, originally known as Ellicott Mills.

It is the oldest such structure still standing in the country built in 1830-1831. There are a few displays on-hand as well as an operating model layout.

In 1830, following the opening of its first 1.5 miles, the B&O had completed 13 miles to Ellicotts Mills (today known as Ellicott City) in May of that year.

Here, the railroad constructed a small terminus consisting of a a sturdy, two-story stone depot along with a small turntable.

The location did not offer significant passenger traffic but did serve a local granite quarry, known as Ellicott's Quarries, along with nearby agriculture and less-than-carload freight.

These early trains all operated with horses as power, trotting along with what was little more than retrofitted carriages.

Gaithersburg Community Museum

This museum is housed at the B&O's restored, 1884 freight depot (the passenger station, originally completed in 1884, later renovated in 1990, operates as MARC commuter stop).

The facility has a number of exhibits and historic displays describing railroad history as well as that of the local community.

Their mission statement is "...to collect, research, preserve, and present the history and culture of Gaithersburg in a dynamic, participatory, accessible, and responsible manner for the education and enjoyment of present and future generations."

While there be sure and visit a preserved steam locomotive; Buffalo Creek & Gauley 2-8-0 #14, manufactured by American Locomotive in 1918.

This Consolidation spent many years in service on this fabled short line which was situated in rural Clay County, West Virginia. To learn more about the BC&G please click here.

Hagerstown Roundhouse Museum

This museum is located in Hagerstown (along the wye of the current-CSX Transportation's yard), a city of once great importance to the Western Maryland.

The WM was a relatively small system but did play an important role in handling coal from mines in West Virginia to tidewater at Baltimore/Port Covington.

It also moved considerable merchandise and time freights through the Connellsville (Pennsylvania) Gateway as part of the so-called "Alphabet Route" (to read more about the Alphabet Route please click here).

It was eventually acquired by rival Baltimore & Ohio in 1964. The name of the organization is interesting considering the WM's actual roundhouse here was razed long ago.

The facility is home to a large collection of displays related to the WM, a few pieces of rolling stock, and an operating model layout. The latter includes a replica of the railroad's original, 21-stall roundhouse. They are open year-round during the weekends.

Western Maryland Railway Historical Society

Overview

Maryland's railroad museums are more than mere repositories of old trains; they are vibrant storytellers of the past. Through locomotives, rail cars, and dynamic exhibits, these museums capture the transformative impact of railroads on American history and the state of Maryland.

Whether you are a history buff, a railroad enthusiast, or a family looking for a unique day out, Maryland's railroad museums offer an unparalleled journey through time. As we continue to move forward in rapid technological advancements, these museums remain a poignant reminder of the innovation, determination, and spirit that forged the railways and connected communities across America.