Admissions tour planning in Ellicott City, Maryland

Located at 3711 Maryland Avenue in Ellicott City, Maryland, the B&O Model Train Yard is a popular tourist attraction that offers a glimpse into the history of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. The institution, also known as the B&O Ellicott City Station Museum, is the terminus of the first 13 miles of the historic railroad, which was founded in 1827 as the first common carrier railroad in the United States. Passenger services to Ellicott City began in May 1830, with horse-drawn rail cars initially used for travel between Baltimore and Ellicott’s Mills. In August 1830, the B&O showcased the first American-built steam locomotive, the Tom Thumb, at Ellicott's Mills. The Ellicott City station, built in 1831 as a freight depot, was renovated in 1857 to accommodate passengers. Although passenger service ended in 1949, freight service continued until 1972, when the station was restored by Historic Ellicott City, Inc.