Today in Wheeling History: January 1--The first Baltimore & Ohio (B&O) train arrived in Wheeling from Baltimore, connecting the Atlantic with the Ohio River (1853).
On December 24, 1852, the final rail connecting tracks from Baltimore and Wheeling was laid near Grave Creek. On January 1, 1853, the first Baltimore & Ohio (B&O) train arrived in Wheeling from Baltimore, connecting the Atlantic with the Ohio River. On January 10, 1853, two special trains carried around 500 guests from Baltimore to participate in events in Wheeling. Large crowds welcomed the trains at stops along the way including Harpers Ferry, Martinsburg, and Cumberland. In Wheeling on January 12th, thousands lined the tracks in Center Wheeling awaiting the first train's arrival. Despite delays, the passenger train arrived in Wheeling at 2:05 AM on January 12th and was welcomed by crowds, music, and a planned reception. The railroad opening represented a major transportation achievement connecting Baltimore to the Ohio River.
To learn more: (http://tinyurl.com/2cunrh5j) (http://tinyurl.com/phm6ja5n) (http://tinyurl.com/3b3vn4za) (http://tinyurl.com/37sn36c9) (http://tinyurl.com/m9wjesra)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV
On December 24, 1852, the final rail connecting tracks from Baltimore and Wheeling was laid near Grave Creek. On January 1, 1853, the first Baltimore & Ohio (B&O) train arrived in Wheeling from Baltimore, connecting the Atlantic with the Ohio River. On January 10, 1853, two special trains carried around 500 guests from Baltimore to participate in events in Wheeling. Large crowds welcomed the trains at stops along the way including Harpers Ferry, Martinsburg, and Cumberland. In Wheeling on January 12th, thousands lined the tracks in Center Wheeling awaiting the first train's arrival. Despite delays, the passenger train arrived in Wheeling at 2:05 AM on January 12th and was welcomed by crowds, music, and a planned reception. The railroad opening represented a major transportation achievement connecting Baltimore to the Ohio River.
To learn more: (http://tinyurl.com/2cunrh5j) (http://tinyurl.com/phm6ja5n) (http://tinyurl.com/3b3vn4za) (http://tinyurl.com/37sn36c9) (http://tinyurl.com/m9wjesra)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV
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