Embark on a guided tour of this redbrick former transportation hub and sit in the waiting room under 1940s fluorescent light.
The Silver Spring Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Station is a historic structure with an elegant redbrick façade of Colonial Revival design. The station no longer has passenger train services, but you can visit its preserved 1940s waiting room for a trip back in time. Snap photos of this fascinating building to get a sense of the history of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. Built in 1945, the structure may have been created based on President Harry Truman’s instigation.
Admire the simple frontage comprised of red bricks and inspect the stylish glass panels of its large door. Walk around the perimeter of this quaint station and see the old-fashioned green cart at the rear, with its large red wheels. Examine the iconic blue sign on the side of the building with the name Silver Spring neatly embossed in gold letters.
This small building stands out for its charm amid the tall office buildings in the area. Speak with the guide for a comprehensive overview of its history. Sit on the nicely reupholstered benches in the quaint waiting room and imagine you’re about to take a train in the 1940s. Notice the original recessed fluorescent lighting fixtures that remain installed here.
Relax under the covered outdoor area beside the tracks and watch modern trains go by. Consider renting the station as a nostalgic venue for a party, event or conference. The waiting room fits about 50 people. It also has a model train track and is available for children’s birthdays.
Visit the station during its open hours from morning until afternoon on the first Saturday of each month, from April through December. It is run by the Montgomery Preservation organization.
The Silver Spring Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Station is in the heart of Silver Spring. Take a bus to one of the nearby stops or ride a train to the modern Silver Spring Station, which is a 10-minute walk northwest from its predecessor. Consider arriving on the free VanGO shuttle bus. Nearby attractions include the Fillmore Silver Spring, the Silver Spring Civic Center and Jesup Blair Local Park.
