Laurel station (MARC) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Laurel
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| MARC Commuter rail station | ||||||||||||||
Laurel Railroad station in December 2008
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| Location | 22 Main Street, Laurel, Maryland | |||||||||||||
| Line(s) | Capital Subdivision | |||||||||||||
| Platforms | 2 side platforms | |||||||||||||
| Tracks | 2 | |||||||||||||
| Connections |  RTA 409 |
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| Construction | ||||||||||||||
| Parking | 396 spaces | |||||||||||||
| Bicycle facilities | Yes; 10 lockers | |||||||||||||
| Disabled access | Yes | |||||||||||||
| History | ||||||||||||||
| Opened | 1884 | |||||||||||||
| Traffic | ||||||||||||||
| Passengers (2018) | 680 daily  2.7% (MARC) |
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| Services | ||||||||||||||
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Laurel Railroad Station
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 Location in Maryland
Location in the United States
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| Location | East Main Street Laurel, Maryland |
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| Built | 1884 | |||||||||||||
| Architect | Ephraim Francis Baldwin | |||||||||||||
| Architectural style | Queen Anne | |||||||||||||
| NRHP reference No. | 73002165 | |||||||||||||
| Added to NRHP | March 30, 1973 | |||||||||||||
The Laurel train station is a historic stop on the MARC Camden Line in Laurel, Maryland. It's located about halfway between Washington, D.C.'s Washington Union Station and Baltimore's Camden Station. This station helps people travel easily between these two big cities.
Contents
About the Station Building
The Laurel Railroad Station was built a long time ago, in 1884. It was made for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, which was a very important railway back then. The station is located on what was called the Washington Branch.
Who Designed It?
A famous architect named E. Francis Baldwin designed the station. He also designed another similar station in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Both stations were built in the same year, 1884.
What Does It Look Like?
The station building is made of brick and has one and a half stories. It has a unique shape with different roof sections that stick out. You can see cool details like brackets and terra cotta decorations on the roof. It also has an inside chimney. The building is designed in the Queen Anne style, which was popular for buildings around that time.
Historic Landmark Status
Because of its history and unique design, the Laurel station was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. This means it's recognized as an important historical site. After being listed, it was reopened as a MARC station when the Camden Line started running.
A Fire and Rebuilding
In January 1992, a fire badly damaged the inside of the station. The roof and brick walls were also hurt. But the station was later repaired.
Important Visitors
In February 2009, some very important people visited Laurel Station. Vice President Joe Biden, Governor Martin O'Malley, and Senator Ben Cardin gave a speech there. They wanted to get support for a plan to help the economy. This plan would provide money to fix up the station's platform and other parts of Maryland's transportation. The plan worked, and construction began soon after to improve the station.
How the Station is Set Up
The Laurel station has two side platforms. These are the raised areas where passengers wait for the train. The main station building is right next to the platform for trains heading south.
Gallery
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This plaque tells about the Laurel Railroad Station's history.
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A view of the west side of the Laurel Railroad Station.
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A freight train passing by the historic Laurel station.
- Laurel Railroad Station, Prince George's County, Inventory No.: PG:LAU-6, including photo in 1975, at Maryland Historical Trust website
