The Northern Central Railroad began operation in 1832 to serve the growing industries of Baltimore, York, and Harrisburg. During its 140 years of operation, the railroad had 46 stops, 22 of them in Maryland. The railroad’s past remains evident in many fixtures and markers along the trail, including the historic Monkton Train Station, which operated as a passenger and freight station from 1898 until 1959. After the station fell into disrepair in 1959, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources began renovations in 1980 and restored it as a park visitor center and railroad museum at the heart of the trail. In 1984, the railroad was converted into the NCR Trail under the supervision of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Over the past 20 years, the trail became a popular recreational destination with help from volunteers and from Dr. Torrey C. Brown, its greatest believer and advocate, and in 2007 it was renamed the Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail in his honor.