In 1942 the federal government purchased the Washington, Brandywine and Point Lookout Railroad, then known as the Farmers' Railroad. During World War II, the Navy extended the railroad from Forest Hall to the Patuxent River Naval Air Station to carry supplies for the new naval base at Cedar Point, and it became known as the U.S. Naval Air Station Railroad, Patuxent River, Maryland. The Navy operated the train under the Public Works Department, hauling mainly gasoline, coal, ammunition, and plane parts, and employed thirty-two civilians, including long-time general manager William Chesley. A guard at the base perimeter allowed the train to pass onto the Naval Air Station. As maintenance of the rail bed and rails became problematic, the Navy made its final run on June 30, 1954, witnessed by more than 200 people. The railroad was declared excess government property in 1966, and St. Mary's County purchased the railroad right-of-way in 1970.