The Railroad Comes and "Knowles Station" Emerges

The Railroad Comes and "Knowles StKation" Emerges

In 1873 the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad built the Metropolitan Branch, connecting Washington with Point of Rocks, Maryland. The railroad tracks crossed farm land owned by Daniel Brown, George Duvall, George Knowles, and Alfred Ray.

A station was built at the point where the railroad tracks crossed the old roadway-now called, at various points, Cedar Lane, Howard Avenue, St. Paul Street, and University Boulevard.

"Knowles Station," as the area became known, was subdivided and various parcels were sold after the deaths of George Knowles and his wife Luraner. The farmland began a rapid conversion to a small community. The lots were desirable due to their closeness to the railway and the improved public road. By 1880, Knowles Station had a population of 70, and twelve trains made the run each day. The growing settlement soon had two stores, a post office, and a blacksmith shop.

Like trains today, the trains of that early era offered passengers some choices of tickets and rates. A ticket for the 11-mile trip from Knowles Station to downtown Washington cost 35 cents. Or you could buy an excursion ticket, a monthly ticket, a school ticket, a quarterly ticket, or a family ticket.

The present Kensington station was built in 1891, making it the second oldest B&O station still in active use in Montgomery County. MARC rail took over service of the old B&O in 1974. Ten of the original 20 remaining Montgomery County stations still operate today. With commuters still using trains to get to work, the old Kensington train station is a daily reminder of Kensington's rich history.

For more information on Kensington, please visit my website http://www.garyditto.com/communities/kensington.htm

or call me and I can mail you a copy of my booklet "Kensington Stories"