Hagerstown Group Mobilizes to Save Historic Locomotive 202 from Relocation to Cumberland

Efforts are underway to preserve Hagerstown’s historic Locomotive 202, a relic of the city’s rich railroad heritage. Built in 1912, the steam engine has been a feature of City Park for over seven decades and is the last surviving K-2 Mainline steam engine from the Western Maryland Railroad. The Save Locomotive 202 group recently presented a comprehensive plan to Hagerstown’s City Council, outlining how they intend to preserve this iconic piece of history.

This article was updated 1/29/2025 to remove the link to the competing petition. This was an editorial decision, to support the best interests of Hagerstown and Washington County.

The group proposed forming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to take over the locomotive’s restoration and maintenance, potentially relieving the city of significant financial and operational burdens. Their plan includes securing restoration quotes, raising funds through grants, sponsorships, and donations, and increasing public engagement by expanding access to the train area. The nonprofit aims to transform the site into a vibrant community attraction, complete with educational programs, special events, and extended visiting hours.

The preservation effort requires substantial funding. A 2023 estimate placed restoration costs at $3.3 million. The group hopes to revisit this figure and seek additional quotes to guide their fundraising efforts. While $633,000 in grant funds are already allocated for the project, the nonprofit aims to bridge the gap through fundraising and partnerships. Their ultimate goal is to start restoration within three years while ensuring the site remains accessible and engaging for the public.

As part of their proposal, Save Locomotive 202 emphasized community involvement, including working with local schools and colleges to develop educational programs and using volunteers to staff the train area. The group also plans to promote the locomotive and adjacent Train Hub Museum as a destination for events, aiming to bolster Hagerstown’s reputation as a historic railroad town.

In addition to their presentation, a Change.org petition has achieved over 360 signatures, encouraging the city to retain and cosmetically restore the locomotive. This follows concerns that the city was considering transferring the locomotive to the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, who declared their intention to restore the locomotive to operational functionality.

The efforts have not been without controversy, however. A counter petition has been established to “compel” Hagerstown to turn the locomotive over to the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad. Viewing the locomotive as more than just a static exhibit, supporters emphasize its potential to serve as a living testament to the region’s rich railway heritage. They argue that seeing the locomotive in motion on the mainline would offer an immersive, educational experience that stationary displays cannot match, preserving the legacy of Western Maryland’s hardworking railroad workers. By restoring the engine to operational status, the group aims to spark renewed interest in railway history, expand the reach of local heritage, and create a dynamic connection to the past for future generations. However, viewing the petition online it appears that most of the signatures are not from Hagerstown area residents. There are also several Facebook groups dedicated to transferring the locomotive to Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, but those groups seem to be run by “railfans” most of whom also do not seem to live in the Hagerstown area.

City officials expressed interest in the initiative in preserving the locomotive in Hagerstown, and indicated that further discussions would take place in February. If approved, the nonprofit would assume a 10-year conservatorship of the locomotive, ensuring its preservation and continued prominence in Hagerstown’s history.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors.

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