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Western Maryland RR Plum Orchard Saint Marys Laurel History Index

Roundhouse History

Brunswick Railroad Days

Martinsburg B&O Roundhouse

Martinsburg B&O Roundhouse Continued

Martinsburg B&O Roundhouse History

Train Wallpapers

1986 Steam Expo - Early Locomotives

1986 Steam Expo - Early Locomotives page 2

1986 Steam Expo - Small Engines

1986 Steam Expo - Shays & Heisler

1986 Steam Expo - Logging Equipment

4449 to the World's Fair

Kinzua Viaduct

Brunswick Railroad Days

Martinsburg B&O Roundhouse

Martinsburg B&O Roundhouse Continued

Martinsburg B&O Roundhouse History

Train Wallpapers

1986 Steam Expo - Early Locomotives

1986 Steam Expo - Early Locomotives page 2

1986 Steam Expo - Small Engines

1986 Steam Expo - Shays & Heisler

1986 Steam Expo - Logging Equipment

4449 to the World's Fair

Kinzua Viaduct

The presence of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company in Martinsburg, West Virginia dates back to the late 1840’s when the first engine and machine shops were erected for the expanding company. One of the reasons for choosing Martinsburg was the fact that it was about 100 miles from Baltimore (according to Bill Hayes**).

During the Civil War “Stonewall” Jackson’s troops occupied the town and confiscated or destroyed a large number of engines, cars, and track. Martinsburg changed hands over 50 times during the war; leaving it destitute.

In 1866, the B&O started re-constructing the facilities at Martinsburg. The construction took 6 years. Those buildings were used until the mid 1980’s when they were deserted.

Just a few years ago, the Berkeley County Roundhouse Authority was formed to preserve and restore what buildings were left. So far, over $5.5 million in grants have been obtained for restoration. As of this summer, most of the windows had been replaced, the roofs patched, and the doors repaired/replace.

The most architecturally significant structure is the 1866 fully enclosed roundhouse. A sophisticated cast iron frame supports this building. Albert Fink designed the frame in the 1850’s. Cast in Baltimore, then shipped and assembled in Martinsburg, the frame was reminiscent of an erector set. The B&O Railroad liked the design so much that it used at least 5 roundhouses just like this. This is the last one that exists today.

The large, very high center cupola is designed to let the steam and smoke from the engines in the building escape.

Beside the roundhouse is the Car Shop that was constructed in 1867. While this was originally used to build freight cars (mostly to carry coal), it was converted into a rail shop that built specialized parts of switches (frogs and points). When the function of the building changed, the name changed to the Frog and Switch Shop. In the rear of this shop is a foundry area used for blacksmith work.

*All information for this page is from the “Berkeley County Roundhouse Self-Guided Tour Highlights” unless noted.

** C. William (Bill) Hayes is the Executive Director, Berkeley County Roundhouse Authority.

Other Resources:

Grove and Dall'Olio Architects: B&O Roundhouse Adaptive Re-use

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