In the early 1700’s, Maryland and Virginia were still colonies, and trade was made possible between the territories by way of ferries across the Potomac. Starting in the 1730’s, a ferry operated here in what was known as “German Crossing.” The area was first known as “Eel Town” because Native Americans would fish for eel in the Potomac in those days.

Germans continued to settle in the area. In 1787, Leonard Smith, a landowner on the Maryland side, sold off a number of lots close to the ferry, retained some for his family, and called the town “Berlin.”

In 1834, both the C&O Canal and B&O Railroad reached Berlin. A flour and grist mill was built by Charles Wenner at lock 30 on the canal in 1845. For the next 45 years, Berlin was a small village with a population of only 200 to 300.  

Berlin began to grow in 1890 when the B&O Railroad chose Berlin as the location of their six-mile long freight yard, bringing many jobs and families to the area. At that time, the town’s name was changed to Brunswick so as not to be confused with the Berlin on Maryland’s eastern shore.

By 1910, Brunswick’s population reached 5,000, benefitting significantly from the railroad. However, in the 1950s, the railroad reduced its yard operations. 

Today, Brunswick’s population is around 7,500. At the base of the town is a commuter train station serving Washington, DC. It is a popular stopping point along the C&O Canal with the popular Beans in the Belfry Café, built in the original chapel in town. Smoketown Brewery serves up freshly brewed beer, and the Brunswick Family Campground on the C&O hosts many cyclists.  Also, don't miss the Brunswick Museum, with a huge working model train layout upstairs!

Read more in "Get Up and Ride" 

More history of other places along the GAP & C&O: History (getupride.com)

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Train station image is attributed to Jb91archivist at English Wikipedia 

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