African American History Month

The B&O celebrates African-American History Month by highlighting B&O employees and their contributions to Railroading and the B&O. Follow along as we roll out new exhibits on African-American History all month!

The B&O used African-American labor from its inception. The job opportunities were limited to heavy labor such as track gangs and baggage handlers, but would eventually broaden to include service oriented occupations like porters, maids, cleaners, waiters, chefs, and redcaps.  African Americans provided unparalleled service to railroad passengers, and railroads like the B&O could not have been constructed or operated without the contributions of African-Americans.