Silver Spring B&O Station Open House: The History of the Georgetown Branch

Presentation on the Georgetown Branch: The 11.5 mile branch stretched from just west of Silver Spring, MD across Rock Creek, through Chevy Chase and Bethesda, and along the palisades of the Potomac river into Georgetown in DC. Trains operated from 1892 until 1985 and the line featured a long, tall trestle, a tunnel, and industrial street running. Industries served included cement plants, lumber yards, fuel dealers, three power plants and even a Frito factory. Ben Sullivan will share the colorful history of the line through rare photographs, historic maps, and key stories from its 93-year run.

Ongoing Activities: Enjoy train spotting and waving at the engineers, a model layout, a toy train play set, and photos and memorabilia of the railroad's glory days and historic Silver Spring, plus show off your favorite train-related outfit!

This station is in the National Register of Historic Places, a Montgomery County Historic Site, and a gem in Silver Spring’s Arts & Entertainment District.

Please note that the number of parking spaces is limited. Additional parking is available one block away at county garage #4, 8100 Fenton Street. This garage has an additional entrance off of Sligo Avenue, while traffic and crosswalk lights facilitate crossing Georgia Avenue at Sligo Avenue in front of the station. The Silver Spring Metro Station is located four blocks away at 8400 Colesville Avenue.

There is a special needs space and ramp at the station, along with an accessible entrance and restroom.

Find out more: rentals | station highlights | support the station maintenance fund | photos from past events