Steam power revolutionized transportation throughout the world in the 19th century.  Steam boats allowed for faster passenger service on an international and domestic level.  In the United States, one of the oldest running steam boat services was provided by the Balitmore Steam Packet company, also known as the Old Bay Line.  The Old Bay Line offered an overnight service between Baltimore, Maryland and Norfolk, Virginia that began in 1840 and continued well into the 20th century.

On this day, May 25th, in 1962, the Old Bay line went out of business, ending overnight steamboat service in the United States. The Old Bay Line had steady ridership numbers until 1940, but heavy decline followed.  In 1941, the line was acquired by the United States government to assist in the war effort.  The post-war United States proved less interested in leisurely steam boat travel, as highways emerged as the fastest transportation option.  Services were discontinued in the late 1950s and early 1960s, until it was announced that all operations would be closed.

The Baltimore Steam Packet Company was liquidated and the remaining steam ships were sold or scrapped