Railroads of Garrett County: A History

Focusing mainly on the B&O, this revised class includes a new approach to the Preston railroad that operated in Crellin, and a brief description of how steam and diesel locomotives function. It includes a brief section on the effects of the Civil War on the B&O. It will cover the railroads in general terms for participants with even a mild interest in rail travel. In this class, historian, author, and educator, Dr. Neal Brooks will describe the railroad’s development, decline, and main purposes. The course will consider the railroad’s social and business aspects. We’ll discuss two companies, B & O and Western Maryland, with remnants that are still present as part of CSX. We will focus on passenger service to this region in the 20th Century. We will also cover smaller coal/logging railroads that disappeared but had significant impact including the Confluence and Oakland, Preston Railroad, and the Jennings Brothers Railroad.

This class is intended for a general audience interested in Garrett County and in general rail transportation history, not just rail fans. In addition, this class has the added dimension of meeting in the renovated 1884 B&O Railroad station, one of the most significant historic buildings in Oakland, MD.

This class is offered through Continuing Education at Garrett College.

To register call 301-387-3069

Where: Classes meet at the Railroad Station, 117 East Liberty Street, Oakland, MD
When: Wednesdays, June 5th, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM (June 5, 12, 19 & 26, 2024)