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Baltimore Penn Station: PRR's Historic Terminal

Published: February 7, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Baltimore Penn Station, formerly known as Pennsylvania Station and before that Union State, is a critical transportation hub on the East Coast of the United States.  It stands as the eighth-busiest rail station in North America, welcoming millions of passengers each year.

Situated in the heart of Baltimore, Maryland, the station not only connects the city's residents to the broader regional transport network but also serves as a vibrant historical landmark with a rich architectural legacy.

Designed by the eminent New York City architect Kenneth MacKenzie Murchison (1872–1938), this structure was erected in 1911, exemplifying the Beaux-Arts architectural style for the Pennsylvania Railroad. Situated at 1515 N. Charles Street, approximately one and a half miles north of downtown and the Inner Harbor, it lies between the Mount Vernon neighborhood to the south and Station North to the north. Initially named Union Station in recognition of its service to both the Pennsylvania Railroad and the Western Maryland Railway, it was rechristened in 1928 to align with the Pennsylvania Railroad's other principal stations.

The building is strategically positioned on an elevated "island" flanked by two open trenches: one accommodating the Jones Falls Expressway and the other facilitating the tracks of the Northeast Corridor (NEC). Approaching from the south, the NEC traverses the Baltimore and Potomac Tunnel—a two-track, 7,660-foot tunnel inaugurated in 1873, notorious for its 30 mph speed restriction, sharp curves, and severe gradients, consequently ranking as one of the NEC's most significant bottlenecks. The northern approach of the NEC involves the 1873 Union Tunnel, which features a single-track bore alongside a double-track bore.

Penn Station ranks as the eighth-busiest Amtrak rail station in the United States, as determined by annual passenger volume.

Historical Significance

The current Pennsylvania Station represents the third iteration of a railway terminal at its North Charles Street location. Initially, a wooden structure was erected by the Northern Central Railway, a subsidiary of the Pennsylvania Railroad, and began operations in 1873.

This was replaced in 1886 by the Charles Street Union Station, which comprised a three-story brick edifice located below street level, accessible via a sloping driveway.

The associated train shed measured 76 by 360 feet. This facility was demolished in January 1910 to make way for the current structure, which officially opened on September 15, 1911.

Constructed in 1911, Baltimore's Penn Station embodies the design excellence of early 20th-century American architecture. Its Beaux-Arts style, detailed with stately columns and intricate stonework, was the vision of Kenneth MacKenzie Murchison, a renowned architect of the period.

The station was commissioned by the Pennsylvania Railroad, one of the pivotal railways of the era, marking Baltimore's prominence as a burgeoning industrial city within the Eastern Corridor.

For over a century, the station has withstood the test of time, mirroring the evolving transportation landscape while retaining its cultural and architectural integrity.

Historic Operations

The exterior of Penn Station is marked by its grandiose façade, blending symmetry and elegance. The building's impressive arched windows allow natural light to flood the interiors, creating an inviting environment for passengers.

The clock tower, a nod to the technological advancements of the time, crowns the station, symbolizing punctuality and progress. Inside, the station maintains its original charm, with high-vaulted ceilings, marble floors, and ornamental details that echo the grandeur of travel in the early 1900s.

The integration of art is evident throughout the station, with sculptures and artwork that enrich its aesthetic value. Of notable mention is the sculpture "Male/Female" by Jonathan Borofsky, commissioned in the early 2000s. The controversial piece, standing proudly outside the station, has sparked dialogue about public art and its role in communal spaces.

Modern-Day Functionality

Since 1958, Penn Station has served as the principal intercity railway hub for the region. This followed the cessation of all passenger services north of Baltimore by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, which led to the closure of the Mount Royal Station in 1961 and a reduction of services at Camden Station to exclusively local commuter trains by 1971.

On September 23, 1952, Richard Nixon, then a U.S. Senator from California and the Republican vice-presidential candidate, delivered the renowned Checkers speech. He mentioned that his dog Checkers had been held for him at "Union Station in Baltimore," referring to the former name of the station.

Prior to Amtrak's establishment on May 1, 1971, Penn Station functioned as the principal station in Baltimore for the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR), the original owner.

It also catered to passenger trains operated by the Western Maryland Railway. The station was an integral hub for numerous PRR commuter trains traveling to Washington, D.C., the precursors of the present-day MARC Penn Line. Moreover, renowned streamliner trains from various railroads, such as the Southern Railway's Southerner and all-Pullman Crescent Limited, the Atlantic Coast Line's Champion, and the Seaboard's Silver Meteor, were run by the PRR between New York City and Washington, D.C. These trains made stops at Baltimore's Penn Station to accommodate passengers heading to southern destinations serviced by those railroads.

As a station for the Western Maryland Railway, Penn Station enabled travelers to journey directly to multiple Maryland locations including Westminster, Hagerstown, and Cumberland, until passenger service on this line ceased in 1958.

Up until the late 1960s, the PRR also managed long-distance train services from Penn Station via its historic Northern Central Railway line to destinations such as Harrisburg and further. Notably, services like "The General" to Chicago, the "Spirit of St. Louis" to its Missouri namesake, and both the "Buffalo Day Express" and the overnight "Northern Express" traversed the route between Washington, D.C., and Buffalo, New York.

In 1956, the "Liberty Limited" to Chicago and the "Dominion Limited" to Toronto, Canada, were also operational on this route. Currently, much of the Northern Central Railway's right of way in Baltimore and Baltimore County is used by the Baltimore Light RailLink, although the specific spur from Penn Station is not the original path followed by Northern Central trains. Service for the Baltimore Light RailLink commenced in 1997.

As part of the Northeast Corridor Improvement Project, Baltimore's Penn Station was meticulously restored to its original 1911 architectural design in 1984.

Today, Baltimore Penn Station serves as a crucial node for Amtrak’s extensive rail network, accommodating major routes such as the Northeast Regional and Acela Express. These routes provide swift and reliable connections between Baltimore and key cities like Washington D.C., Philadelphia, New York, and Boston. In addition to Amtrak services, the station is a hub for the Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC) trains, facilitating suburban transit and reinforcing Baltimore’s role as a commuter city for the much larger capitals nearby.

Moreover, the station supports local transit through connections to the Maryland Transit Administration’s Light RailLink and bus services. This multimodal integration enhances accessibility for commuters and tourists alike, making Penn Station a central element in Baltimore’s transport infrastructure. In an era that increasingly emphasizes sustainable travel, the station's prominence in rail and public transport reflects broader shifts towards environmentally conscious transit solutions.

Legacy

Baltimore Penn Station stands as much more than a transit point; it is a testament to the city's historical evolution and a beacon of its future aspirations.

As Baltimore seeks to expand its global presence, the station remains a conduit for connection, opportunity, and growth. Embracing its past while ingeniously adapting to contemporary demands, Baltimore Penn Station exemplifies a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, anchoring its identity as both a historical artifact and a forward-facing transport facility.