Bowie Railroad Buildings

The Bowie Railroad Buildings are three preserved structures at a former station site: a freight depot, a control tower, and an open passenger shelter. These buildings date from different periods and show how a railroad station operated in the past.

The Baltimore and Potomac Railroad established the station in 1872 and helped create the settlement that became the town of Bowie by 1880. The control tower was rebuilt in 1910 after a fire and managed train movements at a major rail junction.

The place takes its name from the former railroad station and reveals how central rail transportation was to the town's identity and growth. Walking through these buildings, visitors notice how the station shaped where people lived and worked in the area.

The site is easy to visit on weekends without needing advance planning or reservations. The buildings are straightforward to explore and can be seen in about an hour, making it a good stop during a trip through the area.

A research library inside the control tower holds documents and objects about regional railroad history. This collection reveals how central rail development was to Maryland and continues to draw railroad enthusiasts and researchers today.