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Viaduct Hotel
Relay, Maryland
built 1873, demolished 1950
In 1873 the Viaduct Hotel opened for business. Named after the adjacent Thomas Viaduct, the Viaduct Hotel acted as an overnight stop for guests traveling through the region. The eastern side of the station served as the agent and ticketing services, while the west side was comprised of a four-story accommodation for guests. It is noted that the building was not meant to be used as an ordinary hotel, but instead meant for those who were tired, sick, or afraid to travel during the night. In 1938, the Viaduct Hotel closed its doors for the last time and it was demolished in 1950.
Although the Viaduct Hotel is no more, the Thomas Viaduct is still used to this day. The world's second oldest railway bridge, it is also the world's largest multiple-arched stone railroad bridge built on a curve. Look for a replica of this engineering feat above the Viaduct Hotel replica in this year's exhibit. |