Experience a slice of history at one of America’s oldest surviving railway depots, now the B&O Railroad Station Museum. The structure was built in 1831 to serve the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, primarily for freight use. By 1857, the train and station served passengers, continuing to do so for 92 years. Local preservation efforts led to the structure being named a national historic landmark in 1968.
Explore the two floors of the old train station. The first floor was once the living quarters for the freight agent and now contains furnishings typical of the early days of the station. Stop at the gift shop here for train-related items. Climb the stairs to the second floor or access via an outdoor ramp. Here you’ll find the ticket office, telegraph equipment, provost marshal’s office and men’s waiting room.
From this floor visit two other buildings. In the freight house, view the scale model of the original B&O track from Baltimore to Ellicott City, known as Ellicott Mills in earlier days. Visit the 1927 Caboose, an actual car from the B&O line.
Check the museum’s busy program schedule. Popular events have included guided tours, toddler story time, painting of historic scenes, nighttime ghost hunting, vintage movies, Underground Railroad history events and special holiday model train demos, including a LEGO® re-creation of the station and other historic Ellicott City buildings.
The B&O Railroad Station Museum is open daily from spring through fall and has free admission. During winter it remains closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. After you visit the museum just off Main Street, explore other interesting spots in the charming former mill town of Ellicott City. St. Paul Catholic Church is just across the street while cafés, breweries and other museums are located on the way to Historic Ellicott City, less than half a mile (0.8 kilometers) away. The museum has some free parking and plenty of other spots are available nearby. Head west to Centennial Park to walk, jog, kayak or canoe in this pleasant outdoor space.
