Chesapeake Beach railway station facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Chesapeake Beach railway station
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Chesapeake Beach railway station, December 2008
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 Location in Maryland
Location in the United States
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| Location | 8005 Bayside Rd., Chesapeake Beach, Maryland |
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| Built | 1898 |
| Architect | Mr. Winston |
| NRHP reference No. | 80001798 |
| Added to NRHP | September 11, 1980 |
The Chesapeake Beach railway station is a special old building in Chesapeake Beach, Maryland. It's in Calvert County, Maryland, United States. This station was built in 1898 for the Chesapeake Beach Railway. It has two parts with sloped roofs. One part used to be an open area where people waited for trains. Now, it's a fun railway museum! This historic station was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
Contents
The Station's Story
Building a Dream Town
The station first opened as a stop on a railway line. A man named Otto Mears wanted to build a cool resort town. This town would be on the Chesapeake Bay, between Baltimore and Washington, D.C.. Mr. Mears and his friends built hotels, beaches, casinos, and a boardwalk.
The First Train and the Last
The very first train arrived at this station on June 9, 1900. For many years, people used the railway to visit the resort. But about 35 years later, things changed. The Great Depression made money tight for many people. Also, more and more families started using cars to travel. This meant fewer people rode the train. The last train left the station on April 15, 1935.
The Museum Today
A New Purpose
In 1979, the station got a new life. Gerald and Fred Donovan gave the station to the Calvert County Board of Commissioners. They wanted it to become a museum.
What You Can See
Today, the Calvert County Historical Society takes care of the building. They also look after its exhibits. The museum has many interesting things to see. You can find old items, displays, and programs. These all help tell the story of the Chesapeake Beach Railway. They also share facts about the local history of the area.
See also
- Chesapeake Beach Railway
- Chesapeake Beach, Maryland
