Three Notch Trail

The federal government purchased the Washington, Brandywine and Point Lookout Railroad, then known as the Farmers' Railroad, in 1942. During WWII, the Navy extended the railroad from Forest Hall to the Patuxent River Naval Air Station to transport supplies needed for the new naval base at Cedar Point. The railroad then became known as the U.S. Naval Air Station Railroad, Patuxent River, Maryland.

Maintenance of the rail bed and rails became problematic and the Navy's final run was made on June 30, 1954. Over 200 people were in attendance to witness this event. The railroad was declared excess government property in 1966 and St. Mary's County purchased the railroad right-of-way in 1970.

Rail History 1942

The Navy ran the train under the jurisdiction of the Public Works Department. The main load was gasoline, coal, ammunition, and plane parts. Thirty-two civilians, including long-time general manager William Chesley, were employed by the Navy. A guard, posted at the base perimeter, allowed the train to pass onto the Naval Air Station.

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Village of Mechanicsville
Forest Hall
Tobacco Barns
Three Notch Road
De La Brooke Manor
"Three Notch Road"
Three Notch Trail
Amish Community
Maryland Begins Here
Charlotte Hall School

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