The Chessie System was a major American railroad company that operated primarily in the eastern United States. It was formed in 1972 through the merger of several railroads, including the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway, Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and the Western Maryland Railway. The Chessie System was known for its distinctive logo featuring a cartoon cat named "Chessie," which became a symbol of the company. In 1987, the Chessie System merged with the Seaboard System Railroad to create the CSX Transportation, which is one of the largest freight rail networks in North America today. The Chessie System played a significant role in the development of rail transport in the region, facilitating the movement of goods and passengers across its extensive network.