This rare compilation consists of the first five annual reports of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, one of the earliest railroads in the United States, including:

First Annual Report of the Directors to the Stockholders (4 pp.)
First Annual Report of the Board of Engineers to the Board of Directors (43 pp.)
Second Annual Report, of the President and Directors, to the Stockholders (11 pp.)
Third Annual Report, of the President and Directors, to the Stockholders (13 pp.)
Fourth Annual Report, of the President and Directors, to the Stockholders (13 pp.)
Fifth Annual Report, of the President and Directors, to the Stockholders (130 pp.)

Of particular importance are a profile and map that were issued as part of both the first and third annual reports entitled (two each are present): "Profiles of Two of the Principal Routes Surveyed for the Baltimore and Ohio Rail Road from Baltimore to Williamsport" (36.3 x 7.6") and "Map of the Country Embracing the Various Routes Surveyed for the Balt. & Ohio Rail Road" (10.5 x 24"). The map shows the region from Baltimore west to Frederick and Williamsport, indicating routes surveyed and the location of the railroad. The completed tracks are shown from Baltimore to Gillies Falls (near Ridgeville) and from Upper Pt. Of Rocks (along the Potomac River marked "G") to just south of Buckeystown. The line was open a year later for horse-drawn cars (steam engines would arrive a few years later). Also included in the fifth annual report is an untitled map showing the "Practicable Routes for Proposed Rail Road" (6 x 11") between Baltimore and Washington D.C., and 5 large fold-out plates depicting train cars, parts and construction.

The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad was one of the oldest railroads in the United States, and the first intercity and common carrier railroad. It was also the first to offer scheduled passenger and freight service to the public. The company's first General Counsel was John H.B. Latrobe, whose bookplate is laid in to the present example. It is likely that these reports are Latrobe's copies.

References: Modelski #2.

Condition: B

Maps, plates and text are moderately toned with scattered foxing. Several of the maps and plates have short binding/edge tears mostly in the blank margins. Modern binding is pristine.