I have always been fascinated with trains and railroads. Some Annapolitans know that at one time, trains were a primary source of transportation to and from Annapolis. Many people, however, are not familiar with the Bay Ridge and Annapolis Railroad. Think back to a time before there was the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Bay Ridge, once very separated from Annapolis was a prime destination and resort.
The Bay Ridge and Annapolis Railroad was incorporated by the Bay Ridge Company in March 1886. The Bay Ridge Company rebuilt the beach resort on the Chesapeake Biay n 1885. The hotel was doubled in size, the boardwalk expanded, and beach cottages were constructed. The company even opened a zoological exhibit with lions, tigers and bears (oh my!)
The railroad began operation on July 10, 1886 and for the next 17 years, thousands of people used it to visit the "Queen Resort of the Chesapeake." The start up costs, however, were enormous, and in September 1886, the Bay Ridge Company issued $300,000 worth of bonds. Robert Gerrett, President of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, bought $150,000 worth of the bonds giving the B&O a controlling interest in the Bay Ridge Company and the Annapolis and Bay Ridge Railroad.
At a point prior to 1890, a small connection was made from Chesapeake Junction to the Baltimore and Annapolis Short Line near West Annapolis.
For 13 months in 1890-91 the BR&A connected to a carferry and steamer service run by the Baltimore and Eastorn Shore Railroad. That service ended in October 1891 and was replaced by a steamer-only operation out of Baltimore.
The railroad was never profitable and in 1904 it ceased operations. In 1918, with steel at a premium due to World War I, the tracks were removed.
Still visible throughout Annapolis is the right-of-way. It is often easier to see when viewing Annapolis from above with a map or Google Earth. Starting from West Street near Westgate Circle, take a look at Amos Garrett Blvd. Follow Amos Garrett to the end where the park is located. The BR&A ran along Amos Garrett (I believe it to be along the left side of the street when driving from West Street towards the park). While one is standing at Amos Garrett Waterfront Park, you can look across the water to Truxtun Park. You can still see the old warning signs for the cable crossing.
The BR&A crossed the water into the Truxtun Park. If you are walking around the park, there is a memorial bench that sits on a point that overlooks the water. If you were sitting on this bench, the BR&A would pass to your left. It then passed between "The Horseshoe" gravel parking lot used by boaters and a pavillion closer to the boat ramp. If you are at "The Horseshoe" facing towards the water, you will see a thin treeline between you and that pavillion. That treeline is the old right-of-way. The BR&A then crossed over Truxtun Road towards Spa Cove Apartments. When you have driven on Primrose Road, you are probably familiar with the small traffic circle prior to entering the back of Spa Cove Apartments. The BR&A passed over right where that circle is. If you stop your car on the circle (facing the back apartments) and look to your left towards Truxtun and then to your right, you can still see where the BR&A went.
Once crossing Primrose Road, the BR&A ran behind the newer part of Spa Cove Apartments, made a slight turn to the south and ran where the current Elliott Road is located. The BR&A then crossed where the present day Hilltop Lane and Tyler Ave are located. The BR&A continued from running between Conley Drive and Cedar Ridge Court (this is where Google Earth comes in handy!). It continued along this way and ran behind where Timber Creek is currently located. It then crossed Bay Ridge Ave. If one is driving along Bay Ridge Ave, you are probably familiar with a small parking lot that sits by itself across from an office building and near the SPCA.
Unfortunately, this is where I have lost track of the railroad went from this point on. I believe it passed over and ran through a woodline that runs behind Georgetown East elementary school.
