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About this episode

A visit to the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum in Baltimore, Maryland. The site is home to the first tracks laid for a railroad in the United States. The railroad's name described the ultimate route, connecting The port of Baltimore with the Ohio River in then Wheeling, Virginia, now West Virginia. The rail service established a trade route from a port city to the nation's interior, allowing the flow of goods and passengers for the young nation. There are many examples of engines, cars of all manner in the museum site which comprises 40 acres. The first track was laid here in 1828. The cornerstone was laid by Maryland resident Charles Carroll, the last living signer of the Declaration of Independence. Charles Carroll was a supporter of the creation of the railroad. He is known by how he signed the Declaration of Independence - he signed his name, Charles Carroll of Carrollton, so the King of England would hang the right man in case the revolution didn't succeed. His home in Annapolis is still standing on the grounds of St. Mary's Catholic Church.

• Release Date

  Dec 22, 2009

• Runtime

  04:57