B&O Unlocked: B&O No. 3316 “Washington” Observation Tavern Car 

In celebration of Black History Month, the B&O Railroad Museum unveils the newly restored Baltimore & Ohio Railroad No. 3316 “Washington,” a 1949 observation tavern car that represents the height of luxury rail travel and honors the African American railroad workers—especially Pullman Porters—who made that experience possible.

Explore the powerful history of African Americans on the railroad. From its earliest days, enslaved people helped build many of the country’s first railroads, especially in the South. Over time, the railroad played a role in the ongoing fight for African American equality—from the dark days of slavery and the Civil War, through segregation, and into the Civil Rights Movement. Using our rolling stock collection, we’ll trace the contributions, challenges, and triumphs of African Americans in railroading and reflect on their lasting impact on American history.

Join us on President’s Day at the B&O Railroad Museum as we welcome award-winning children’s author Carole Boston Weatherford for a live reading of her powerful picture book BOX: Henry Brown Mails Himself to Freedom. This program invites families and young readers alike to explore history through storytelling- highlighting courage, resilience, and ingenuity of Freedom Seekers. Don’t miss the chance to hear directly from the author, ask questions, and deepen your connection to this moving true story.

Learn about the significance and connection the Underground Railroad had in Maryland via the B&O Railroad. Then, inspired by the Harlem Renaissance painter Aaron Douglas, students will create monoprint illustrations making thematic connections to the Freedom Seekers who used the Underground Railroad. 

The B&O Railroad Museum’s annual Unlocked series returns—this year with a special tribute to America’s 250th anniversary. In honor of Black History Month, we are unveiling the newly restored B&O No. 3316 observation lounge car – highlighting the great impacts railroading has had on Black history!

The AFT No. 1 toured the United States with the 1975-1976 American Freedom Train in celebration of the United States Bicentennial.

Used on the Capitol Limited and other premier B&O passenger trains in the mid-20th century, the No. 3316 “Washington” observation tavern car represented the pinnacle of luxury rail.

Produced by B&O Master of Machinery in 1875, the No. 600 was the first “Mogul” type railroad intended for passenger services, and the largest locomotive in the world at the time.

The B&O No. CE-10 once traversed the sharp turns and narrow street of Fells Point. Put into service at the dawn of the 20th century, the fully-electric locomotive was a revolution in green technology.

Built by the Wason Manufacturing Company in 1868, the B&O No. 21 resembles the daytime passenger coach used by civilians and military personnel during the Civil War.

Built by GM-EMD in 1951, the MARC No. 7100’s diesel engine was replaced with a “head-end-power plant” in 1980. Now operating as an Auxiliary Power Control Unit (APCU), the No. 7100 is used solely for powering a train’s electrical systems.

The AFT No. 1 will be unlocked again in honor of the nation’s 250th Independence Day, and to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1975-1976 American Freedom Train.

Built by ALCO in 1926, the C&O No. 490 was one of the last passenger locomotives to operate on the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway. Nicknamed the “Yellowbelly,” this “Hudson” type locomotive is recognized for its stylish streamlined body.

Built by the Pullman Company c.1890, the B&O No. 445 passenger coach was rebuilt in 1927 to represent a car from the B&O’s flagship Royal Blue passenger train.

Built in 1923 and retired in 1983, the B&O No. 3528 heavyweight coach was the last commercial passenger car to service former-B&O lines.

Designed to traverse the steep Allegheny Mountains and unveiled in 1863, the B&O No. 147 “Thatcher Perkins” began its career pulling military trains for the Union Army.