The Chesapeake and Ohio Railway (C&O) was a major American railroad that operated primarily in the eastern United States. Founded in 1869, it connected the Chesapeake Bay region to the Ohio River, facilitating the transport of coal, timber, and other goods. The railway played a crucial role in the economic development of the areas it served. In 1987, the C&O merged with the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O) to form the CSX Transportation system, which is still in operation today. The C&O's legacy includes its contributions to the growth of the coal industry and the expansion of rail travel in the region.