The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, America’s first common carrier, was a pioneer in many components of railroading. None was more important than its innovations in propulsion. From animal-drawn cars to steam, electric, and diesel locomotives, the B&O met the challenges of hauling ever-heavier loads of freight and passengers across hundreds of miles.
Rail historian James Reeves leads an exploration of more than a century of locomotive history at the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum in Baltimore. A Smithsonian Affiliate, the museum houses an outstanding collection of 19th-century locomotives—including an array on loan from the Smithsonian Institution.
Tour these machines and go behind the scenes at the world’s oldest continually operating railroad restoration shop, where skilled craftsmen bring historic locomotives back to life. Established in 1829, the facility still maintains and restores more than 200 examples of 19th- and 20th-century locomotives and rolling stock.
Trace the evolution of rail power as you encounter original, replica, rebuilt, and modified artifacts in the museum’s roundhouse. And no day devoted to railroad history would be complete without a train ride: Weather permitting, travel along the first 1 1/2 miles of the original B&O main line to the site where the railroad’s first stone was laid in 1828.
A catered box lunch is included.
Know Before You Go
General Information
- Registration for this tour will end by 2 p.m. ET on Friday, April 17, 2026.
- Smithsonian Associates is a mask-friendly environment. Please feel free to bring and wear a mask at any time during a tour, both for your safety or the safety of others.
- As we aim to move away from single use water bottles, guests are strongly encouraged to get in the habit of bringing their own reusable water bottle on tour.
- For additional tour information:
