Capitol Limited
The Capitol Limited dates back to 1923, the premier train of the Baltimore & Ohio (B&O) Railroad. The route originally connected New York City and Chicago via Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C. In its first decades, it ran as an all-Pullman train, including accommodations and amenities such as private bedrooms, drawing rooms, a sunroom-observation car, and radios, train secretaries, maids, and valet service. The railroad introduced diesel streamliners in 1938, and by 1940 the Capitol Limited offered coach service and a buffet coach lounge. In 1960, the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad assumed control over the B&O, and continued Capitol Limited operations.
Under Amtrak in 1971, the train was discontinued. It was later revived in 1981, and today, Amtrak’s Capitol Limited runs between Washington, DC and Chicago, following the historic B&O tracks between Washington and Pittsburgh.
Baltimore & Ohio Railroad | August 4, 1940 Timetable
John A. Swider Timetable Collection
Baltimore & Ohio Railroad | "Diesel-Electric Power" Promotional Brochure, c.1940s
William R. Hough Timetable Collection
Chesapeake & Ohio / Baltimore & Ohio Railroad | April 28, 1963 TImetable
John A. Swider Timetable Collection.
Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad | Capitol Limited Menu, 1969
