Ellicott City has been one of Maryland’s favorite small-town destinations since at least the 1830s. A group of Pennsylvania Quakers settled the area in the 1790s, but the community absolutely boomed when the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad reached it in 1830. Ellicott City isn’t a stop on that railroad any longer, but its historic district is an enduring testament to this mill town’s legacy, and it just so happens to be home to one of the best hidden gem museums you could hope to come across. The B&O Railroad Museum is a fascinating adventure back in time for any visitor hoping to wander down Main Street – and best of all, admission is completely free!

The museum is located in the old station, right at the bottom of the hill. The doors are short and wide, emblems of their prior use in the process of freight loading.
Hugh Taylor
In the 1840s the bottom floor of the building was converted into a living space for the freight agents. Freight agents used this area until 1868, when a massive flood struck and submerged 75 percent of the station.
Hugh Taylor
The museum is home to the Ellicott Mills Depot Bell, which just so happens to be the oldest surviving railroad station bell in the entire country! This one is off-limits, but there's a replica outside that visitors are allowed to ring.
Hugh Taylor

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The invention of the telegram rocketed this railroad stop to national importance. During the Civil War, Ellicott City was a vital information hub.
Hugh Taylor
The freight house now houses a small theater and an impressive model rendition of the B&O. The model accurately depicts all the stops from West Baltimore to Ellicott City!
Hugh Taylor
Without a doubt, one of the coolest parts of this museum is the caboose. You can actually go inside and get a feel for how passengers of the B&O used to travel. It's quiet and comfy enough that you might be tempted to bring a book along!
Hugh Taylor

After experiencing what this gorgeous museum has to offer, why not check out these other activities along Main Street in Old Ellicott City? There’s definitely no shortage of fun things to do. Tell us what some of your favorite stops are!

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