initially the settlement around the railroad line was known as knowles station. the town was incorporated in 1894 and was named kensington at that time. the b&o station was designed by architect ephraim francis baldwin and opened in 1891. from 1893 to 1935, the station was used as a terminal for the kensington electric railway and offered passenger service to chevy chase, maryland. the station is a contributing property to the kensington historic district.