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1st commercial railroad in US, Baltimore & Ohio (B&O) chartered

The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (reporting marks BO, B&O) was the oldest railroad in the United States and the first steam-operated common carrier.

The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (reporting marks BO, B&O) was the oldest railroad in the United States and the first steam-operated common carrier. Construction of the line began in 1828, and it operated as B&O from 1830 until 1987, when it was merged into the Chessie System. Its lines are today controlled by CSX Transportation.

Founded to serve merchants from Baltimore who wanted to do business with settlers crossing the Appalachian Mountains, the railroad competed with several existing and proposed turnpikes and canals, including the Erie and Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. The railroad began operation in 1830 on a 13-mile line between Baltimore and Ellicott's Mill in Maryland. Horse-drawn cars were replaced by steam locomotives the following year.

Historical Significance

The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (reporting marks BO, B&O) was the oldest railroad in the United States and the first steam-operated common carrier.

Events Before

  1. Godert van der Capellen resigns as Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies

    Godert van der Capellen resigns as Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies

  2. Future US President Millard Fillmore (26) weds Abigail Powers (27)

    Millard Fillmore (January 7, 1800 – March 8, 1874) was the 13th president of the United States, serving from 1850 to 1853.

  3. The Menai Suspension Bridge connecting the Isle of Anglesey to the northwest coast of Wales opens, considered the world'

    The Menai Suspension Bridge connecting the Isle of Anglesey to the northwest coast of Wales opens, considered the world's first modern suspension bridge

  4. University College London founded; known until 1836 as London University

    University College London (UCL) was founded on 11 February 1826, under the name London University, as a secular alternative to the strictly religious universities of Oxford and Cambridge.

  5. American Temperance Society forms in Boston

    American Temperance Society forms in Boston

Events After

  1. 6th US President John Quincy Adam's son John marries in the White House

    John Quincy Adams (July 11, 1767 – February 23, 1848) was the sixth president of the United States, serving from 1825 to 1829.

  2. 1st edition of Amsterdam General Trade Journal (Algemeen Handelsblad)

    1st edition of Amsterdam General Trade Journal (Algemeen Handelsblad)

  3. More than 100 vessels destroyed in a storm, Gibraltar

    More than 100 vessels destroyed in a storm, Gibraltar

  4. 1st American Indian newspaper in US, "Cherokee Phoenix", published

    1st American Indian newspaper in US, "Cherokee Phoenix", published

  5. Russia and Persia sign the Peace of Turkmantsjai

    Russia and Persia sign the Peace of Turkmantsjai

More from the 1820s

Godert van der Capellen resigns as Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies

Godert van der Capellen resigns as Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies

The Dutch Trading Company (NHM) is granted a monopoly on the sale of opium in Java and Madura

The Dutch Trading Company (NHM) is granted a monopoly on the sale of opium in Java and Madura

Naturalist and entomologist Thomas Say (39) secretly weds natural science illustrator Lucy Way Sistare (26)

Naturalist and entomologist Thomas Say (39) secretly weds natural science illustrator Lucy Way Sistare (26)

American religious leader Joseph Smith Jr (21) weds future church group movement leader Emma Hale (22) in South Bainbrid

American religious leader Joseph Smith Jr (21) weds future church group movement leader Emma Hale (22) in South Bainbridge, New York, until his death in 1844

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on February 28, 1827?
The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (reporting marks BO, B&O) was the oldest railroad in the United States and the first steam-operated common carrier. Construction of the line began in 1828, and it operated as B&O from 1830 until 1987, when it was merged into the Chessie System. Its lines are today controlled by CSX Transportation.
Why is 1st commercial railroad in US, Baltimore & Ohio (B&O) chartered significant?
The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (reporting marks BO, B&O) was the oldest railroad in the United States and the first steam-operated common carrier.

Explore More

February 28 in HistoryYear 1827