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 19th 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 Tom Thumb -- the first
steam engine ever made in America -- 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.
