The Hagerstown and Frederick Railway was the last Interurban “trolley” company to serve Maryland. It shaped communities, employed thousands and improved life in every community that it served.

We exist to ensure that the railway’s history and legacy is preserved for future generations.

For nearly 60 years, electric interurban cars and freight motors could be found traveling the streets, farmland, and mountain ridges of Frederick and Washington counties for the purpose of providing a vital link for area farmers, merchants and students.  Its network of main and branch lines was considered to be one of the most extensive and scenic of its kind in the nation, boasting 87 1/2 miles of track when at its peak, in addition to climbing two mountain summits.  Today, you can still find several original structures and four surviving”trolley” cars. Unfortunately much more of this history has already been lost to apathy and development.

Who We Are

The “H&FRHS” is a 501(c)3 educational non-profit organization which invites you to join in our efforts.  We maintain an archive of artifacts, photographs and resources which may be accessed by researchers, and present exhibits and historical presentations to the public, among other programs and opportnities.  Our members include historians, collectors, modelers, railfans, and also local residents who share our interest. If you have an interest in the railway specifically, or in local history we hope you will consider joining us for yourself.

To learn more about the H&F Railway itself, you can check out our H&F History page.