The End of the Hagerstown Trolley began the era of buses in August 1947.

Above: The last official trolley car on the Williamsport to Hagerstown line leaves the vicinity of Public Square in August 1947. Aboard the last car were Hagerstown, Williamsport, Washington County and Potomac Edison officials and members of the Citizens’ Committee who were active in getting the trolley line removed. Crew member Edward L. Koogle rides the final run.

The End of the Trolley and Beginning of Buses

Removal of Electric Cars praised as forward step in community; new Williamsport Highway is promised

With clanging bell and flying bunting, the last trolley car rumbled from the Public Square to Williamsport on Monday, August 4, 1947, ending an era of rail transportation in Hagerstown. The three antiquated cars operated on the 50-year-old Hagerstown to Williamsport route were lined up at the trolley stop on West Washington Street at the Square and, at 5:15 p.m., the cars, jammed with officials and local residents, started the last trip to Williamsport.

Thousands of spectators pointing hundreds of cameras lined the route of the cars on the streets of Hagerstown and in the rural section along Williamsport pike.

Mayor Richard Sweeney, in a special broadcast at the Public Square just prior to the departure of the last car, termed the trolley removal “...a forward step that gives every indication of the progress of our thriving city.” – Excerpted from the Daily Mail, August 5, 1947

Originally photographed by Herald staff, this vintage image was preserved and provided courtesy of Washington County Historical Society. To enjoy hundreds more historic views from society’s collection, visit washcohistory.org