B&O RAILROAD MUSEUM 

901 W. Pratt St.
410-461-1944

HOURS:
Open daily 10-5pm

ADMISSION:
$7.00

One of the most historic sites of American railroading, the museum sits on 37 acres with 5 historic buildings housing over 120 full-size locomotives. The museum's most spectacular display is the Roundhouse, measuring nearly 240-feet across and 123-feet high. Built in 1884, the Roundhouse was used to repair the B&O’s fleet of passenger cars and adjoins one of the nation’s first railroad stations. Today it houses the Museum’s oldest and finest historic steam, diesel and electric locomotives, in addition to some rare 19^th century passenger and freight equipment. Also inside the museum is a large collection of railroad artifacts found at the Hays T. Watkins Research Library, as well as a unique railroad gift shop, and a number of exhibits featuring historic models, documents, and other artifacts.

Visitors can stroll through the Museum’s yards and explore the many locomotives, passenger and freight cars, and special purpose equipment. The museum is located at the historic Mt. Clare Station. It was here that the first steam engine ever made in America -- the Tom Thumb -- was operated by Peter Cooper. Also, Samuel Morse sent his first Morse Code transmission, "What hath God wrought," from Washington D.C. to Mt. Clare in 1844.

The B&O Railroad Museum is one of those esoteric attractions and it seems that it might get a little boring to those who really aren’t interested in railroading. On the other hand, if railroading is the only thing you’ve ever loved in this world, than this is your place. The Museum is located ten blocks west from the Harbor, on the outskirts of a not-so-friendly neighborhood; so getting there via your own vehicle is definitely a good idea. In fact, unless you’re really, REALLY into trains, think twice before you cram this museum into a busy schedule. -- Michael Rando