The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad

The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O) was one of the first major railroads in the United States, established in 1827 to connect the Atlantic coast with the Ohio River. It played a key role in transportation and economic development by moving goods and passengers efficiently across the country. The B&O pioneered technological innovations, such as the first scheduled steam passenger service in the U.S. and the extensive use of locomotives. It helped transform commerce, industry, and settlement patterns in the 19th and early 20th centuries, ultimately merging into later railroad systems and contributing significantly to America's transportation infrastructure.