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America's first common carrier railroad, chartered in 1827. Famous for the Capitol Limited and distinctive blue and gray paint scheme.
1827
Dissolved 1987
Mid-Atlantic US
USA
5,500
Route miles
EM-1 2-8-8-4
The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad holds the distinction of being the first common carrier railroad in the United States, chartered on February 28, 1827. The railroad was built to compete with the Erie Canal for western trade, extending from Baltimore toward the Ohio River.
The B&O pioneered many railroad innovations, including the first regularly scheduled steam locomotive service in America with the Tom Thumb in 1830. The railroad developed some of the most distinctive steam locomotive designs, including the articulated 2-8-8-0 and 2-8-8-4 EM-1.
The railroad's passenger service included the Capitol Limited, connecting Chicago with Washington, D.C. The B&O's royal blue and silver paint scheme on passenger equipment was elegant and sophisticated.
B&O became part of the Chessie System in 1973 and later CSX in 1987. CSX has honored the B&O with heritage units, keeping the historic railroad's memory alive.
1940s-1960s
Royal blue with gold striping for passenger service
1960s-1987
Blue and gray freight scheme
1920s-1940s
Classic steam era black with gold trim
B&O's mountain operations featured heavy grades and helper districts
The EM-1 2-8-8-4 was the largest B&O steam power
First-generation diesels included E and F units
Capitol dome cars are distinctive B&O equipment
The B&O was a heavy coal hauler—include unit trains