Part of the Building Baltimore Lecture Series: The B&O’s Role in the Making of Charm City 

At 12 noon, Conor Conneally will give a lecture exploring the B&O’s contribution to the development of Ellicott City. The B&O completed the nation’s first commercial railroad between Mt. Clare Station and Ellicott’s Mills in May of 1824. In August of 1830, the 13-mile line was used to successfully test Peter Cooper’s Tom Thumb, the first American-made steam locomotive. For generations, flour and granite were carried from Ellicott’s Mills to the Baltimore harbor, and passengers traveled with ease between the two locations thanks to the B&O Railroad. Ellicott’s Mills quickly grew thanks to the business provided by the B&O and, in 1867, the town was renamed to Ellicott City to reflect its new size and status. 

There will be a Q&A segment following the lecture.  

About the Lecturer

Conor Conneally is the Manager of the B&O Ellicott City Station Museum, the oldest railroad station in the U.S. Originally from Ireland, Conor studied Irish politics at Queen’s University Belfast. He has been with the Ellicott City Station Museum since 2021 and has several years of experience working in museums and historical sites in both Ireland and the United States.

Admission:

Included with Museum Admission. B&O Members FREE.

More from the Building Baltimore Lecture Series

Upcoming Events at the B&O

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Now through July 1!

Signs from the Underground Railroad Exhibition. There are 5 in total with different historical figures on them.

The Underground Railroad: Freedom Seekers on the B&O

Juneteenth Public Tour: 11 am & 1 pm

June 22, July 13, August 10

July 4

The American Freedom Train. A head-on shot of a black train with a red and gold sign that reads "The American Freedom Train"

Restoration Shop Tour: AFT No. 1

Next Tour: July 4

Blue, red, green, and yellow graphic that says "Christmas in July."

July 19

2025

New Monthly Tours

Climb aboard the B&O No. 3684 Diesel Locomotive!

June 18, 21 & 22

Go inside the WM No. 195 Switcher!

July 16, 19 & 20

WITH GENEROUS SUPPORT FROM:

2021
Award

Baltimore's Child 2021 Readers' Choice Winner

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