MARYLAND - Maryland holds a unique and revered place in American history as the birthplace of common carrier railroading. The state is crisscrossed by an extensive network of railway lines that have been fundamental to its development, connecting the Port of Baltimore to the nation's interior.
Maryland's Iron Lifelines: The B&O Legacy and the State's Longest Railroads
While identifying a single "longest railroad line" can be complex due to interconnected networks, one major freight operator stands out as having the most extensive trackage in the Old Line State.
The Birthplace of American Railroading: The B&O Legacy
Any discussion of Maryland railroads must begin with the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O).
- Founding: Chartered in Baltimore in 1827, the B&O was the first standard carrier railroad in the United States. Its initial purpose was to compete with the newly constructed Erie Canal by providing a faster route for goods from the Ohio River Valley to the Port of Baltimore.
- Historic Mainline: The B&O's original Main Line, which stretched west from Baltimore, was a monumental engineering achievement of the 19th century. Its construction marked the beginning of a new era in American transportation and commerce.
- Enduring Legacy: Today, the historic routes of the B&O form the backbone of much of Maryland's current freight rail network.
The Modern Titan: CSX Transportation
While the B&O is the historical foundation, CSX Transportation is the operator with the longest and most extensive railroad network in Maryland today.
- Dominant Presence: As a central Class I railroad, CSX operates hundreds of miles of track within Maryland, inheriting a significant portion of the former B&O system.
- Economic Importance: CSX's network is a vital artery for the Port of Baltimore, transporting a wide range of goods, including automobiles, coal, intermodal containers, and chemicals. Its lines connect Maryland to major markets across the East Coast and the Midwest.
Other Major Players on Maryland's Rails
- Norfolk Southern (NS): The other primary Class I railroad in the eastern United States, Norfolk Southern also has a significant, though less extensive, presence in Maryland, operating key routes for freight transportation.
- MARC Train Service (Maryland Area Regional Commuter): For passenger travel, the state-run MARC Train operates on three main lines (Penn, Camden, and Brunswick), connecting communities in Maryland to Baltimore and Washington, D.C.
- Amtrak: The high-speed Northeast Corridor, one of the busiest passenger rail lines in the country, runs directly through Maryland, with a major stop at Baltimore's Penn Station. Amtrak owns a significant portion of this track.
While it is difficult to define a single "longest railroad line" due to the complexity of modern rail networks, the most extensive system of tracks in Maryland is operated by CSX Transportation. This network, built upon the historic foundation of the pioneering Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, continues to serve as a vital lifeline for the state's economy. From the landmark first tracks laid in the 1820s to the bustling freight and passenger corridors of today, Maryland's railroads are a testament to the enduring importance of the state as a national transportation hub.
Sources:
- Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT)
- CSX Transportation Corporate Information
- Norfolk Southern Corporate Information
- B&O Railroad Museum (Baltimore, MD)
- Maryland Transit Administration (for MARC Train)
- Amtrak
- Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
