The Real-World Inspiration Behind Monopoly Railroads
The classic Monopoly game includes familiar names for its railroad properties: Reading Railroad, Pennsylvania Railroad, B. O. Railroad (short for Baltimore and Ohio Railroad), and Short Line. Interestingly, these names are closely associated with historic railroads that operated in the United States during the early 20th century.
Reading Railroad: Named After the Reading Company
The Reading Railroad in Monopoly is based on the Reading Company, which was a significant railroad player in Pennsylvania from 1924 to 1976. The Reading Company was a holding company for most of its existence and evolved into a single railroad in its later years. It was a successor to the Philadelphia and Reading Railway Company, which was founded in 1833. The railroad played a crucial role in the development of Pennsylvania, connecting the region with eastern markets. Today, the historical legacy of the Reading Company can still be seen in several places, such as the Wikipedia article.
Pennsylvania Railroad: A Long-Lasting Transportation Giant
The Pennsylvania Railroad is one of the most well-known railroads in American history. It was established in 1846 and was headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This railroad was not only a Class I rail line but also one of the most extensive and powerful transportation networks in the country. During its heyday in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the Pennsylvania Railroad was a behemoth that connected numerous cities and towns, making it a critical part of American commerce and travel.
B. O. Railroad: The Original Baltimore and Ohio Railroad
The B. O. Railroad in Monopoly is a shortened form of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, a railroad that is unparalleled in U.S. railroad history. The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (BO RR) was established in 1830 and is recognized as the first common carrier railroad and the oldest railroad in the United States. Its original line was built from Baltimore to Sandy Hook in Maryland. The railroad's extensive network later extended to other states, connecting Baltimore with numerous cities in the Mid-Atlantic region. The Wikipedia article provides a wealth of information about its rich history and significance.
Short Line: A Generic Yet Reflective Choice
The Short Line in Monopoly is a generic term that is often associated with various short-line railroads that operated in local areas. Short-line railroads were typically smaller and served specific, localized needs, rather than operating on a large scale like the major railroads mentioned above. The inclusion of the Short Line in Monopoly reflects the diverse nature of the railroad landscape in the early 20th century, where minor routes played an important role in the regional economy. It is also worth noting that the name was likely shortened from the Atlantic City Quakers' original choice of the Shore Fast Line, which was a local railroad serving the Atlantic City region.
The choice of real-world railroads in Monopoly not only adds an element of historical accuracy to the game but also reflects the significant role that railroads played in shaping the United States' infrastructure and economy during the period. As an iconic American board game, the legacy of these railroads remains a testament to their impact on society.