- Home ›
- Interurbans ›
- Maryland
Maryland's Interurban History: Totaling Just Three Systems
Last revised: September 10, 2024
By: Adam Burns
The state of Maryland contained just three notable interurbans, two of which were very important; the Hagerstown & Frederick Railway and Washington, Baltimore & Annapolis Electric Railway.
More information about the latter may be found here. At its peak this high-speed, rapid-transit system maintained an 83-mile network linking Washington, D.C. with Baltimore, as well as an important branch to Annapolis. Passenger service was discontinued in 1935 although the system was still grossing about $1 million annually. Freight service continued for several years afterwards.
There was also the 76-mile Hagerstown & Frederick, that somehow survived decades longer that it probably should have connecting Hagerstown, Williamsport, Frederick, and Thurmont with several branches.
The H&F's longevity can partially be explained by its relatively robust carload freight business. However, it was also notable as being the last interurban, east of Chicago, to still offer passenger service, surviving until February 20, 1954 according to Dr. George Hilton and John Due's book, "The Electric Interurban Railways in America." Today, traces of this interurban can still be traced throughout the towns it served.
Hagerstown & Frederick Railway car #171 crosses Fishing Creek in Lewistown, Maryland in 1953. The car was acquired new in 1919. Skipper Clark photo.Annapolis Short Line
(Annapolis and Baltimore Short Line): The Annapolis Short Line, officially known as the Annapolis and Baltimore Short Line was created in March of 1887.
It was a short-lived interurban railroad that served the Annapolis area, near Baltimore until 1907 when it was purchased by the Maryland Electric Railway.
Later the route was purchased by the Washington, Annapolis & Baltimore Electric Railroad in 1921. After the WB&A ended operations in 1935 it became the Baltimore & Annapolis Railroad. In 1952 passenger service was discontinued followed by freight operations in 1968.
Cumberland & Westernport Electric Railway
The C&W began operations in 1902 operating a 25-mile system connecting Cumberland, Lonaconing, and Westernport.
It was to be western Maryland's only interurban but unfortunately was never able to earn much in the way of income. It was finally abandoned in 1926.
Cumberland Electric Railway
The Cumberland Electric Railway began operations on the Fourth of July, 1891 connecting North Centre Street to Narrows Park in Cumberland. The railroad remained in operation until 1932 when it was discontinued.
Frederick & Middletown Railway
The Frederick & Middletown Railway was the name initially given to the Hagerstown & Frederick Railway, which connected its namesake towns.
Services began in August of 1896 and by October of that year had connected Frederick and Middletown. Passenger services on the railroad ended in 1939 while freight operations remained until 1961.
Hagerstown & Frederick Railway Company
The H&F began operations in 1913 through the formation of several small systems.
It was a quite large interurban at 76 miles in length and connecting its namesake cities as well as smaller communities such as Boonesboro, Myersville, Middletown, Jefferson, Braddock Heights, and Thurmont. Additionally, it reached Pennsylvania towns like Williamsport, and Shady Grove.
In 1906 it established interchange service with the Chambersburg, Greencastle & Waynesboro. The H&F was one of the few eastern lines to actually build up a profitable freight business, thanks in part to its connections with the Western Maryland Railway which was willing to negotiate into interchange agreements (the nearby Baltimore & Ohio, however, was not).
It was the last interurban to provide passenger service east of the Mississippi when service was finally discontinued on February 20, 1954. From there, the line was converted to diesels for freight traffic although this too was abandoned four years later in 1958.
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.
