The train museum in Baltimore might sound like a fun place for lovers of artifacts, literature, and the arts. However, the place holds more significance than just a place for entertainment.

The B&O Museum might become a “must-visit” in your travel list after you explore this free guide to the historical place. Apart from its rich culture and history, the place is significant in the progress in transportation over time. 

Popularly known as the B&O (Baltimore and Ohio Railroad) Museum, it is a must-visit place. Let us explore the train museum in Baltimore through this free guide.

1. Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum

Located in the Old Mount Claire Stations and Shops (the museum campus opened in 1829), the B&O (Baltimore and Ohio Railroad) Museum is in Baltimore, Maryland. 

The museum holds the largest collection of Civil War Steam Locomotives and many such originals and replicas of 200 years of history(19th and 20th-century railroad pieces of equipment).

The B&O Museum is the place of origin of American Railroading. Founded in 1827, the train museum in Baltimore stands witness to 200 years of advancement in the innovation, invention, and genius of American railroading.

Originally called the Baltimore & Ohio Transportation Museum, this museum was made public on July 4, 1953, by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company.

2. Locomotives and Stocks

The museum contains the finest collection of steam locomotives and rolling stock of American History (19th Century). Listed below are a few of such instances of historical significance:

2.1. The B&O No. 5300 or the President Washington

Weighing around 163 tons, this B&O Class P-7 is a 4-6-2 Pacific steam locomotive. It was built in 1927 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works and is also called the Fair of the Iron Horse. This locomotive was constructed for the B&O’s premier Royal Blue Line passenger route.

The route connected New York and Washington and is appraised as one of the most notable of the Pacific locomotive representations. The “President Washington” locomotive was restored by the museum as the only remaining locomotive of the“President Class” fleet (the pillar of the Royal Blue Line).

2.2. The B&O No. 57 or The Old War Horse or Memnon

This 0-8-0 Eight-Wheeler steam locomotive weighs 23.5 tons. It was built in 1853 and rebuilt and restored in 1948. Otherwise known as the Old War Horse, B&O No. 13 was manufactured by Newcastle Manufacturing Company (in Delaware). The Memnon, which has blind (flangeless) center drivers, is one of the least-modified locomotives.

2.3. The B&O No. 51

Manufactured by General Motors Electro-Motive Corporation (GM-EMC) in 1937, this diesel-electric locomotive is an EMC Model EA 1800 HP Passenger Cab type model which weighs around 144 tons. After a five-year cosmetic reconstruction and restoration project, the locomotive was made public in January 2021.

2.4. Tom Thumb

Originally manufactured in 1839 by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, Tom Thumb is a steam locomotive (relied on coal-burning), which weighs around 10,000 lbs.

Initially, the locomotive depended on horses to help transport its freight trains and passengers. The locomotive moved at the speed of approximately 13 miles per hour, approximately. Its popularity was highlighted by its appearance on a US postage stamp in 1952.   

3. Train Museum in Baltimore – Tour Guide

Are you confused about your desired trip to the B&O Railroad Museum? Apart from guided tours and maps provided by the museum, you can go through the free information given below.

3.1. Location

You will find the B&O Railroad Museum at 901 West Pratt Street, Baltimore, Maryland, 21223; it takes ten minutes from the Inner Harbor area(popular in Baltimore) and is easily reachable from Interstate 95 and the Baltimore Beltway, I-695. You get free parking, in case you are driving or being driven. Also, reserved motorcoaches or buses are available for museum visitors. If you want to access details on public transportation, click here.

3.2. Food and Shop

1. B&O Café welcomes visitors and tourists with snacks and beverages. It is a cafe located in the backyard of the museum.

2. B&O Railroad Museum Store presents a variety of railroad-related items to make your visit more memorable and convenient. From books to toys, you get to collect a souvenir of your visit to the historical place.

3.3. Events

You get to experience a range of various fun events like the Easter Egg Hunt and Train Ride, Mile One Express Train Ride, and so much more. Give your family and friends a perfect adventure in this magnificent place. The kids are going to cherish it. Click here to know more.

3.4. The Map of the Museum

Do you get lost often? No worries, even the geographically challenged souls have a chance to explore this place. Get a digital illustration of the places, platforms, exhibitions, services, kids’ activities, and much more. Visit here to know in detail. If you are still confused, pick a guide.

3.5. Guided Tours

Explore the timeline of the major historical events like the period of enslaved labour, the Civil War, racial segregation, and the Civil Rights Movement through guided tours. You will be introduced to the exhibition – “The Underground Railroad: Freedom Seekers on the B&O Railroad.”

You can choose from many such guided tours like Fueling America’s Railroad: Climate Change and the Evolution of Fuel Types, Iron War Horses: The B&O’s Contributions During Global Conflict, etc. Visit here for more.

4. Mount Clare Roundhouse or the Mount Clare Station or Mt. Clare Depot

Also known as Mt. Clare Depot, this historic structure is the oldest surviving establishment in the museum. To provide better customer/passenger service to the people of Southwest neighbourhoods of Baltimore, it was built in 1851. The Mount Clare Depot once served as the entrance to the train museum in Baltimore. The station included two waiting rooms, several offices upstairs, and a ticket booth.

5. Final words

Visit the place if you are enthusiastic or interested in American History and one of the origins of the modern railroads. Equipped with spectacular exhibitions, convenient go-to food places, and guided tours and activities, the train museum in Baltimore is a perfect place for you and your family.

How wonderful it is to encounter history in real life! Seize the golden opportunity. Sometimes, it is enchanting to go back to the roots.  

Last Updated on March 27, 2024 by Pragya Chakrapani